At the start of 2022, few Americans were familiar with the name Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But 8 weeks into the new year, the courageous Ukrainian president would become a mainstream figure and international icon to many.
A former actor and comedian, Ukraine’s sixth president has risen to the occasion in the face of the unprovoked, unspeakable upheaval that’s abruptly befallen his country.
And against all odds, Zelenskyy refuses to succumb to the Russian goliath.
Not only is he leading the fight for Ukraine’s freedom against an invading superpower that seems determined to break it to the core, but he’s also leading the fight for democracy over autocracy, truth over lies, and right over wrong.
So, what awaits Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
Only God knows. However, no matter what happens, Zelenskyy has already etched himself as one of this era’s greatest leaders. He’s earned a place in history. And should Ukraine successfully repel the Russian forces, Volodymyr Zelenskyy may very well be heralded as a modern-day George Washington.
If Ukraine succeeds, he’ll be bigger than Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, and, possibly, Nelson Mandela. We’ll see movies and documentaries about him and children all over the world will read about him in their history books. He will become an international symbol of freedom and what is right.
Should Russia conquer Ukraine, Zelenskyy will likely be captured and murdered by Vladimir Putin. Unfortunately, that’s the reality. Because Zelenskyy is already a hero of sorts, Putin wouldn’t dare spare him in a post-war Ukraine because his presence would be too risky for Putin’s autocratic regime.
But, again, Zelenskyy has probably made well over a billion fans (literally) and will undoubtedly inspire many future generations. His legacy, to a degree, is secured and continues to grow with each passing day.
And Vladimir Putin’s legacy is also secured. History will treat him poorly, as it should, and Russia’s reputation will likely be in tatters for the rest of our lifetimes.
March on, President Zelenskyy…
