By Joe WALLACEVolodymyr Zelensky’s rise to the presidency of Ukraine is one of the most remarkable political transformations in modern history. From a childhood in an industrial city to a career in entertainment and an unexpected leap into politics, his journey has captivated the world. This article explores the making of Zelensky through the key phases of his life: childhood, education, private career, public career, and his suitability as Ukraine’s leader.
Childhood
Born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, a city in central Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky grew up in a Russian-speaking Jewish family. His father, Oleksandr Zelensky, was a professor and head of the Cybernetics and Computing Hardware Department at a local university, while his mother, Rimma Zelenska, worked as an engineer. Raised in the Soviet era, Zelensky spent part of his early years in Mongolia, where his father was on assignment.
Unlike many future politicians, Zelensky did not grow up in a politically connected family. Instead, his formative years were shaped by academic rigor, an interest in performance, and an early exposure to the arts. His natural charisma and comedic talent were evident even as a child, setting the stage for his future career in entertainment.
Education
Zelensky attended Kryvyi Rih Economic Institute, a subsidiary of Kyiv National Economic University, where he earned a degree in law. However, his passion lay elsewhere. While studying, he became deeply involved in comedy and theater, joining the local KVN (a popular Soviet and post-Soviet comedy competition) team. His performances won him national recognition, leading him to travel and perform across the former Soviet Union.
Despite completing his legal education, Zelensky never practiced law. Instead, he fully immersed himself in show business, refining the skills that would later define his presidency—public speaking, performance, and an acute understanding of mass communication.
Private Career
Zelensky’s rise in entertainment was meteoric. In 2003, he co-founded the production company Kvartal 95, which became one of Ukraine’s most successful media companies. The company produced popular comedy shows, sitcoms, and films, with Zelensky as a writer, actor, and producer.
His most famous role came in 2015 with the television series Servant of the People, where he played Vasyl Holoborodko, a high school teacher who unexpectedly becomes president of Ukraine after a viral anti-corruption rant. The show resonated deeply with the Ukrainian public, reflecting widespread frustrations with corruption and entrenched political elites. The irony that a comedian playing a fictional president would one day become a real one was lost on no one.
Public Career
By 2018, Ukraine was disillusioned with traditional politicians, and Zelensky, buoyed by his television popularity, announced his candidacy for president. He ran under the banner of the Servant of the People party, named after his show, capitalizing on his image as an outsider and reformer. His campaign, largely conducted via social media, eschewed traditional political rallies and debates, instead relying on humor, direct messaging, and a promise to eradicate corruption.
In April 2019, Zelensky won the presidency in a landslide, defeating incumbent Petro Poroshenko with over 73% of the vote. His early tenure was marked by efforts to broker peace with Russia in eastern Ukraine, fight corruption, and overhaul Ukraine’s governance. However, his presidency took a dramatic turn in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky quickly transitioned from a political novice to a wartime leader, rallying international support, boosting Ukrainian morale, and standing firm against Russian aggression.
Is He Suited for Being President of Ukraine?
Zelensky’s presidency has been a study in adaptation. While his lack of traditional political experience initially raised concerns, his leadership during the war has won him global admiration. His ability to communicate effectively, inspire resilience, and secure unprecedented Western aid has strengthened Ukraine’s resistance.
However, challenges remain. Domestically, corruption and governance issues persist, and Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction will require strong administrative expertise. Some critics argue that his government’s centralization of power and suppression of political opposition could set a dangerous precedent. Others believe his background in entertainment, though unorthodox, has allowed him to connect with citizens in ways few leaders can.
