Regular people. [50][51] Although Zelenskyy denied any immediate plans to enter politics and said he had registered the party name only to prevent it being appropriated by others,[52] there was widespread speculation that he was planning to run. He promised to bring the salary for military personnel "to the level of NATO standards". It was not even close. [262], In a 2014 interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that he would have liked to pay a visit to Crimea, but would avoid it because "armed people are there". [11] After the start of the invasion, Zelenskyy declared martial law across Ukraine and a general mobilisation of the armed forces. What a great honor for me to be able to represent my country before such an august audience. Born to a Ukrainian Jewish family, Zelenskyy grew up as a native Russian speaker in Kryvyi Rih, a major city of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in central Ukraine. [49], In March 2018, members of Zelenskyy's production company Kvartal 95 registered a new political party called Servant of the People the same name as the television program that Zelenskyy had starred in over the previous three years. [270], Zelenskyy opposes the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, calling it "a dangerous weapon, not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe. . [142][143] On 20 January 2020, Prystaiko followed up by giving a briefing to the press in the Office of the president of Ukraine and saying that he would explain everything about the visit that when the time came. [158] Russia denied any involvement in a coup plot and Akhmetov said in a statement that "the information made public by Volodymyr Zelenskiy about attempts to draw me into some kind of coup is an absolute lie. [19] Zelenskyy also played the leading role in the 2012 film 8 First Dates and in sequels which were produced in 2015 and 2016. The only candidate who finished near the former president, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, finished with only 20 percent of the . (Laughter.) Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen "agreed on the importance of giving Ukraine the military momentum they need to secure victory against tyranny," according to a . [193] Zelenskyy said he is ready for dialogue, but "not for capitulation". [268] In the interview he also said that if he were elected president he would not sign a law on amnesty for the militants of the DPR and LPR. "[271], On 25 May 2022, Zelenskyy said that "Ukraine will fight until it regains all its territories. While Denys Shmyhal, the prime minister of Ukraine, would likely be considered the next most senior official, Ruslan Stefanchuk, the. In 2019, he served as charg d'affaires at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv and as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 . . [108] A number of the members of the Presidential Administration Zelenskyy appointed were former colleagues from his former production company, Kvartal 95,[106] including Ivan Bakanov, who became deputy head of the Ukrainian Secret Service. "[236], On 30 May 2022, Zelenskyy criticized EU leaders for being too soft on Russia and asked, "Why can Russia still earn almost a billion euros a day by selling energy? But no . Detractors noted that elections held in Donbas were unlikely to be free and fair, that the separatists had long driven out most pro-Ukrainian residents out of the region to ensure a pro-Russia majority, and that it would be impossible to ensure Russia kept its end of the agreement. [124] Zelenskyy defended his negotiations, saying the elections would not be held before a Russian withdrawal. [268], In responding to a petition demanding equal rights for same-sex couples, Zelenskyy echoed the view that family does not depend on sex and asked the Prime Minister of Ukraine to review civil partnerships for same-sex couples. "[123], One of Zelenskyy's central campaign promises had been to end the Russo-Ukrainian War and resolve the Russia-sponsored separatist movement there. Are these people present among you? "[272], During the presidential campaign, Zelenskyy promised bills to fight corruption, including removal of immunity from the president of the country, members of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) and judges, a law about impeachment, reform of election laws, and providing efficient trial by jury. People. [19][36] In 2003, Kvartal 95 started producing TV shows for the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1, and in 2005, the team moved to fellow Ukrainian TV channel Inter. "[159][160] In December 2021, Zelenskyy called for preemptive action against Russia. [221][222][223] The Communist Party of Ukraine, another pro-Russia party, had already been banned in 2015 because of its support to the Donbas separatists. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood . [45], Zelenskyy worked mostly in Russian-language productions. [109] Former deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal declined an appointment as deputy head of the presidential administration, but did agree to serve as the Ukrainian representative of the international courts concerning Russia. He has positioned himself as an anti-establishment and anti-corruption figure. [64][59] During the campaign, concerns were raised over his links to the oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi,[65] a billionaire businessman who had gained control of the 1+1 Media Group in 2010. [277] He also said that Russian artists "who have turned into (anti-Ukrainian) politicians" should remain banned from entering Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky, also spelled Volodymyr Zelenskyy, (born January 25, 1978, Kryvyy Rih, Ukraine, U.S.S.R. [now in Ukraine]), Ukrainian actor and comedian who was elected president of Ukraine in 2019. 28 October 2021 - 22:17 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Vice-President,Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis. With inputs from agencies. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (also transliterated as Zelensky or Zelenskiy; born 25 January 1978) is a Ukrainian politician and former comedian and actor who has served as the sixth and current president of Ukraine since 2019.. Born to a Ukrainian Jewish family, Zelenskyy grew up as a native Russian speaker in Kryvyi Rih, a major city of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in central Ukraine. For the surname, see, First phase: Invasion of Ukraine (24 February 7 April), Second phase: South-Eastern front (8 April 5 September), Third phase: Counteroffensives and annexations (6 September present), Zelenskyy's name lacks an established Latin-alphabet spelling, and it has been romanized in various ways: for example. It's a great, pleasure to be once more here in Kyiv to reaffirm the depth of the partnership between our two peoples. In January 2021, Zelenskyy said in an interview with Axios that he does not perceive China as a geopolitical threat and that he does not agree with the United States assertions that it represents one. Thats something that China can do to limit the trade [with Russia] until the war is over." He said this on the air of the American TV channel Fox News. [227][228] As Zelenskyy ordered a general military mobilization in February 2022, he also banned men aged 18 to 60 from leaving Ukraine. He won the election with 73.23percent of the vote in the second round, defeating Poroshenko. "[237] The study published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) calculates that the EU paid Russia about 56 billion for fossil fuel deliveries in the three months following the start of Russia's invasion. Here's how that would work", "8 EU countries support Ukraine's call to fast-track membership talks", "Exclusive: Ukraine's Zelensky says he doesn't feel China threat", "Ukraine election rivals trade taunts and media tricks", "Front-runner in Ukraine's election race names condition for returning Crimea", "Ukraine's New President Zelensky Hints At Peace With Russia", Zelensky about the war in the Donbas: Though we are ready to agree with the devil, Vladimir Zelensky: It is beneficial for us to dissolve the Rada, but we will think and act according to the law, "Ukraine poll leader Volodymyr Zelensky sees Putin as an enemy", "Zelensky: Border only "common" thing between Ukraine, Russia", "Ukraine insists Nord Stream 2 is 'dangerous' despite German reassurances", "Zelensky says Ukraine will fight until it regains all its territories after Kissinger remark", Comfortable topics for candidates: how they understand reforms, " , ", " Sevas.Com", Zelensky suggested, that he might not get to shake Poroshenko's hand, "Zelensky says Ukraine's government may allow civil partnerships for same-sex couples", "Zelensky floats civil unions amid gay marriage push in Ukraine", "Ukraine president backs civil partnerships for same-sex couples", "Zelensky Proposes Barring Orthodox Church That Answers to Moscow", "Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's shy first lady, steps up", "Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska on being Russia's target No 2: 'When you see their crimes, maybe they really are capable of anything', " : , ", " : 2018 6 ", "Slovakia Awards Zelenskiy Dubcek Prize For 'Freedom and Hope', " - ", "France's Macron awards Legion of Honour to Ukraine's Zelenskiy", " ", "Zeenski z najwyszym litewskim odznaczeniem. ", "Zelenskyy Again Asking Rada To Dismiss Lutsenko And Klimkin, Appoint Prystaiko As Foreign Affairs Minister", "Zelensky appoints his first governors in Lviv, Donetsk, Zakarpattia oblasts", "Volodymyr Zelensky clears the old elite out of parliament", "Oleksiy Honcharuk named prime minister, Cabinet approved", "Ukrainian Parliament Accepts Resignation Of Influential Interior Minister", " ' , : " ", "Zelensky dismisses head of president's office Bohdan, appoints Yermak instead", "Ukrainian president removes PM in government reshuffle", "Hasty government reshuffle sows disquiet at home, abroad", "Speech by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at an extraordinary session of the Verkhovna Rada", "Zelensky's approval rating slides to 31% poll", "Zelensky enacts strategy for de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea", "Ukraine conflict: Anger as Zelensky agrees vote deal in east", " ", "Telephone conversation with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky", "Putin and Zelensky hold first discussion with talks on conflict, prisoner swap", "Thousands protest Ukraine leader's peace plan", "The basis for a peaceful resolution of the war in eastern Ukraine trends at the end of 2019", "Far-right groups protest Ukrainian president's peace plan", "Ukraine tensions: what is the Normandy format and has it achieved anything? [255] The program states that Ukraine should set the goal to apply for a NATO Membership Action Plan in 2024. In 1997 . [105], Zelenskyy appointed Andriy Bohdan as head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine. [234] On 25 May 2022, Zelenskyy said that he was satisfied with China's policy of staying away from the conflict. [75] In the second round, on 21 April 2019, he received 73 per cent of the vote to Poroshenko's 25 per cent, and was elected President of Ukraine. [217][218][219], On March 23, Zelenskyy was calling on Russians to emigrate from Russia so as not to finance the war in Ukraine with their taxes. [181] A Pew Research Center poll found that 72% of Americans had confidence in Zelenskyy's handling of international affairs. [190] While speaking about Ukrainian civilians who were killed by Russian forces, Zelenskyy said:[191]. Who does not want this more than anyone? [165] Zelenskyy and U.S. president Joe Biden disagreed on how imminent the threat was. This has been going on a long time. [136][137] Soon, rumors began that Zelenskyy may have had some additional meetings beside the ones that were announced. Also, fact-checkers Logically reported that the image is of a Ukrainian soldier from August 2021. [93][94][95] He also proposed to spend the money that would have been used to finance the parade on veterans. [40] In 2018, the romantic comedy Love in the Big City 2 starring Zelenskyy was banned in Ukraine.[why? [152] President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska also took part in the opening of the Ukrainian House in Washington, D.C.[151] On the same trip, he met with Apple CEO Tim Cook[153] and with Ukrainians in senior positions at Silicon Valley tech companies[154] and spoke at Stanford University. White nationalist livestreamer Nicholas Fuentes has made no secret of where his loyalties lie in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. [132] In July 2020, Zelenskyy announced a formal ceasefire with the separatists the more than twentieth such attempt since the war began in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presents the Order of Princess Olga, a Ukrainian civil decoration, to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a . [99][100], In January 2021, parliament passed a bill updating and reforming Ukraine's referendum laws,[101] which Ukraine's Constitutional Court had declared unconstitutional in 2018. Olena Zelenska presented the Ukrainian Bookshelf and Ukrainian-language audio guides in Albania and Ireland 27 February 2023 - 15:24 First Lady of Ukraine had a meeting with the Minister of Culture of France 23 February 2023 - 23:00 Olena Zelenska: Ukraine is not just fighting the attacker - Ukraine is fighting for human rights Kyiv, Ukraine. [261], Zelenskyy supported the late 2013 and early 2014 Euromaidan movement. "I wish Putin was president of America . Our Time in 2011 and with Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon in 2012. According to Article 102 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the President of Ukraine is the Head of State and acts in its name, is the guarantor of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine, rights and freedoms of man and citizen. He was sworn in on January 20, 2021. Requirements to Hold Office According to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the president must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old, and have been a resident of the United States for 14 years. Please submit all media inquiries to
[email protected] or call 202.429.3869. [122], On 24 March 2021, Zelenskyy signed the Decree 117/2021 approving the "strategy for de-occupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. [135] The same day, internet news site Obozrevatel.com released information that on 7 January 2020, Ukrainian politician of the Opposition Platform For Life Viktor Medvedchuk who has exclusive relations with the current president of Russia may have arrived in Oman. [229] In early June 2022, Zelenskyy's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that up to 200 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in combat every day. The original photo was taken during a rehearsal for a military parade in Kyiv. [255] The programme also states that Zelenskyy "will do everything to ensure" that Ukraine can apply for European Union membership in 2024. Good afternoon, everyone. President of Ukraine. Critics said it risked increasing media censorship in Ukraine[97] because its clause of criminal responsibility for the distribution of disinformation could be abused. In remarks to reporters in Houston, Trump described his conversation with the Ukrainian. PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: (As interpreted.) The vice president's experience offers a reminder of the urgent need for a bipartisan foreign policy. I don't bite. [53][51] After months of ambiguous statements,[52][51] on 31 December, less than four months from the election, Zelenskyy announced his candidacy for president of Ukraine on the New Year's Eve evening show on the TV channel 1+1. [266][267] As he considered the leaders of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic (DPR and LPR) to be Russia's "puppets", it would "make no sense to speak with them". How Zelensky prepares for the election", "Could a rock star become Ukraine's next president? [274], Zelenskyy opposed targeting the Russian language in Ukraine and banning artists for their political opinions (such as those viewed by the Government as anti-Ukrainian). [85] One of Zelenskyy's coalition partners, the People's Front, opposed the move and withdrew from the ruling coalition. [14][15][16][17], Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy was born to Jewish parents on 25 January 1978 in Kryvyi Rih, then in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. The headline on the March 10 article reads, "Vice President Kamala Harris laughs at the plight of Ukraine; at idea of America offering assistance." It was published on The Raging Patriot blog . Their son, Kyrylo, was born in January 2013. [84] Zelenskyy is the first Jewish president; with Volodymyr Groysman as prime minister, Ukraine became the first country other than Israel to simultaneously have a Jewish head of state and head of government. [86], On 28 May, Zelenskyy restored the Ukrainian citizenship of Mikheil Saakashvili. Mr Trump and his allies suggested that Mr Biden, as Barack Obama's vice-president, encouraged the firing of Ukraine's top prosecutor in 2015 because he had been investigating an energy. [49] Zelenskyy's election campaign had centred on pledges to clean up the government of Ukraine. Ukraine and all of Europe will win! [38], Zelenskyy was a member of the board and the general producer of the TV channel Inter from 2010 to 2012. [19][36][37] That same year, he created and headed the Kvartal 95 team, which later transformed into the comedy outfit Kvartal 95. The Vice President has departed for Kyiv, Ukraine, where he will meet with President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukrainian reformers from both government and civil society, and deliver a speech to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. "[194] Zelenskyy said he was "99.9 percent sure" that Putin thought the Ukrainians would welcome the invading forces with "flowers and smiles". whitehouse.gov. [79] On 22 April, U.S. president Donald Trump congratulated Zelenskyy on his victory over the telephone. Today, we're announcing new actions to lower mortgage payments and help more people realize that dream. [19] He recorded the voice of Paddington Bear in the Ukrainian dubbing of Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017). [140] Later, Yermak contacted the on-line newspaper Ukrainian Truth and gave more details about the visit to Oman and the plane crash in Iran. ", "Leaders of Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia to visit Kyiv on Tuesday", "A Zelensky Deepfake Was Quickly Defeated. Recounting a trip to Kyiv in late 2015, Biden described telling the then-president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, that he had to fire the prosecutor general or the US would not release $1 billion in loan guarantees. The comedy series Svaty ("In-laws"), in which Zelenskyy appeared, was banned in Ukraine in 2017,[44] but unbanned in March 2019. [273], Although Zelenskyy prefers elections with open list election ballots, after he called the snap 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election his draft law "On amendments to some laws of Ukraine in connection with the change of the electoral system for the election of people's deputies" proposed to hold the election with closed list because the 60-day term to the snap election did not "leave any chances for the introduction of this system". President Joe Biden is being briefed "regularly" on the situation in Ukraine by his national security team at the White House this weekend, press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. They must know the truth. President Charles Michel, EU-Ukraine summit, 3 February 2023. [224] Zelenskyy has also supported consolidating all TV news stations into a single 24-hour news broadcast run by the state of Ukraine. [285][286][287][288] His assets were worth about 37 million (about US$1.5 million) in 2018. More From Britannica ( )", "Zelensky's childhood friend appointed SBU's first deputy chief (Document)", " ", " . As we have reported more than once last year, Biden traveled to Kyiv as vice president and warned Ukraine's then-president, Petro Poroshenko, that the U.S. would withhold $1 billion in loan. [164] Zelenskyy said that "we do not see a bigger escalation" than in early 2021 when Russia's military build-up started. January 25, 1978 - Born in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. Vice President Kamala Harris stressed on Saturday that Russia must be held to account for its "barbaric" actions in Ukraine, telling a security conference in Munich that the United States had.