Volodymyr Zelensky: The Unlikely Leader at the Crossroads of War and Democracy
A Comedian’s Rise to Power and the Weight of Reality
Volodymyr Zelensky’s ascendancy to the presidency of Ukraine in 2019 was nothing short of extraordinary. A comedian and actor, he rose to fame playing a fictional president on television, a character who unwittingly becomes the leader of the country. When he announced his real-life candidacy, many dismissed it as a publicity stunt, but Zelensky’s charisma and outsider status resonated deeply with Ukrainians disillusioned by the political establishment. His debate with then-President Petro Poroshenko in April 2019 encapsulated the juxtaposition of old and new Ukraine. While Poroshenko, a wealthy tycoon, spoke of patriotism and tradition, Zelensky offered a raw, gruff energy and a promise to dismantle the corrupt system. Just days later, Zelensky won the presidency in a landslide, carrying 73% of the vote. Little could he have imagined the immense challenges that lay ahead.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Zelensky has become a global symbol of resilience, remaining in Kyiv even as the city came under siege. Yet, the narrative around him is deeply polarized. To some, he is a hero, leading his nation through its darkest hour. To others, he is an authoritarian figure, criticized for consolidating power and silencing opponents. The truth, as with most things, lies somewhere in between. Zelensky is an imperfect leader navigating the complexities of a young democracy under existential threat. At times, he has seemed uniquely suited to the moment, delivering impassioned speeches and rallying international support. At others, the weight of the presidency has clearly strained him.
From Crisis to Opportunity: Zelensky’s Mixed Fortunes
After a rocky period in 2022, Zelensky appears to have regained his footing. Following a disastrous meeting with the Trump administration, which saw U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing paused, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal. The terms of the ceasefire shifted the onus to Russia, framing it as the potential barrier to peace. This diplomatic maneuver, combined with the resumption of U.S. aid, has bolstered Zelensky’s standing. His approval ratings, which had been declining, have surged, with 72% of Ukrainians now expressing support for his leadership, according to a recent poll. This renewed faith presents Zelensky with a critical opportunity to push through much-needed reforms and showcase Ukraine’s potential as a democratic bastion in Eastern Europe.
The Unfulfilled Promise of Reform and the Shadow of Corruption
When Zelensky ran for office in 2019, he campaigned on a platform of rooting out corruption and steering Ukraine closer to Europe. Early in his presidency, there were signs of progress. In 2020, the Ukrainian Parliament passed a major anticorruption bill, a step forward in a country long plagued by graft. However, by early 2022, critics accused Zelensky’s administration of backsliding on these commitments. The judiciary remained unreformed, and allegations of corruption persisted. Even during the war, concerns have grown over Ukraine’s defense procurement process, with single-source arms purchases reopening the door to potential abuse. The recent financial sanctions imposed on former President Petro Poroshenko, now an opposition leader, have further fueled accusations of political opportunism. With the majority of Ukrainians identifying corruption as the country’s second-most pressing issue after the war, Zelensky must recommit to transparency and accountability.
The Elephant in the Room: Can Ukraine Hold Free Elections During Wartime?
As the war drags on, questions about Ukraine’s democratic future loom large. In February 2023, Keith Kellogg, a former Trump envoy, called for Ukraine to hold elections by the end of the year, but polling suggests that 63% of Ukrainians oppose elections until the war is over. The challenges of organizing fair and free elections in wartime are immense. Deploying observers near front lines would be dangerous, Russian propaganda could distort the process, and logistical hurdles, such as accommodating the millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad, would be significant. Moreover, elections cannot occur under martial law, which has been in place since the invasion. While protests and public dissent are still tolerated, the restrictions of martial law—curfews, travel bans for military-age men—underscore the tension between democracy and security.
A Possible Path Forward: Local Elections as a Test Run
One potential solution is to begin with local elections, which would not require the participation of Ukrainians abroad or active-duty military personnel. Such a step would serve as a stress test for Ukraine’s dormant election infrastructure and demonstrate to international partners that the country’s democratic aspirations remain alive. It would also provide a much-needed injection of legitimacy and normalcy for a population increasingly fatigued by the war. Loosening certain aspects of martial law, such as easing travel restrictions in safer regions, could also signal hope for better days ahead. These measures would not only bolster domestic morale but also reassure Western allies that Ukraine remains committed to democratic principles.
Balancing Security and Democracy: Zelensky’s Next Act
As the war grinds on, Zelensky faces another critical challenge: maintaining Ukraine’s democratic identity while securing its survival. The international community, particularly the United States and Europe, has been a lifeline, providing military and financial support. But this support comes with expectations. European leaders have pledged to transform Ukraine into a “steel porcupine,” a fortress capable of deterring future aggression. However, this vision requires more than weapons; it demands a stable, accountable democracy. Zelensky has already shown flashes of leadership, such as his memorable declaration, “I need ammunition, not a ride,” which encapsulated his unwavering resolve. To secure Ukraine’s future, he must channel that same determination into concrete actions that strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law.
In the end, Zelensky’s presidency will be defined by how he balances the imperative of winning the war with the necessity of preserving Ukraine’s democratic soul. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but with renewed popular support and international backing, he has an opportunity to prove that even in the darkest of times, democracy can endure.
