Up until a few months ago, for many people, Ukraine was just a geographic location on the map, maybe not even easy to spot, and President Volodymyr Zelensky was all but unknown to the world, just another local political leader. But ever since the armed conflict began in his country, Zelensky has been gracing the front covers of top magazines and newspapers of global circulation, such as Time and Vogue. People can’t get enough of him. He became the face of the resistance. Fight like Zel. Who would have thought? A former comedian, actor, and dancer to become almost overnight Captain Ukraine and turn the odds in favor of his nation, whose army, outgunned and outnumbered, dared to take on “The Big, Bad Russian Bear” that many powerful armies would not dare to poke and provoke? As for the Ukrainians, the historical rivalry between Russia and Ukraine is over a thousand years old. For centuries, at some point or another, this brave smaller nation has fought their bullying neighbor, as Ukrainians were under threat and sometimes even subdued by Russians, who sought their resources and territory. The Prince of Kiev was a coveted title in the past, and a “jewel of the crown” for Russian rulers who would often seize Ukrainian lands. A beautiful country with amazing people, rich natural resources, and a very old history that the world is only now acknowledging and rediscovering like a new
wonder. It takes many to know one - a complex nation such as Ukraine that’s putting up an epic defense and triumph. Zelensky is the first president who took to social media to reach out to, win over, and bring together lots of other states for a common goal: In his country’s most desperate hours he did not back down and earned the respect, trust, love, and admiration of the Nations. As Ukrainian men and women soldiers battled the Russian army, thousands of personal tragedies would unfold on both sides, while the world just looked on with an ill fascination, although rooting for the underdog. Finally, European and global leaders decided to unite and face the big threat to world peace and order, and gradually support Ukraine with significant financial, humanitarian, and especially military aid, all much needed to repel this large- scale invasion of a sovereign country. A tremendous impact was made by the despair and defiance of a people that had nothing left to lose short of everything: territory, sovereignty, political independence, national identity, and economic prosperity. One can’t help but marvel at the Ukrainians’ unbreakable spirit. Even during fierce battles, the morale of the soldiers is high, and their strong sense of duty is complemented by a sense of humor.
animals displaced by war and share their food with their furry companions that offer emotional support in these highly difficult and tragic times. Despite grief and anger, the people manage to keep their emotions in check for the greater good, until the war is won for their just cause. Their bravery, courage, determination, and wisdom are beyond words. During the Russian invasion, or even the potential of it, any other nation could have buckled and rolled over, but not the Ukrainians. Under Zelensky’s leadership, a disunited Europe, government leaders, presidents, ministers, and members of parliament in various countries rallied around the Ukrainians, forever changing the state of the world. He constantly communicates with his people and with the world. Now, and businesses around the globe talk about Zelensky and proudly display the Ukrainian flag in sign of solidarity with the heroic people of this heroic nation. Books are being written about Zelensky, entire shows are dedicated to him, merchandise is being sold worldwide to raise funds and support for the defense efforts, the reconstruction, and restoration of Ukraine. private citizens Interviewed by global media, cherished by influencers, and prominently featured at international events via videoconference, Zelensky often stated that he did not set out to be a hero or to prove himself.
The entrenched men and women of arms even care for stray
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