Volodymyr Zelenskyy: From Comedian to Wartime President
Ukraine's president under the pressure of full-scale war
A biography of Ukraine's president and the political role he has played since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
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Before politics
Zelenskyy built his career in television and entertainment before entering politics. His outsider image helped him win office in 2019 on an anti-corruption and reform platform.
The wartime presidency
Since 2022, Zelenskyy has become the most visible symbol of Ukrainian resistance. His speeches, diplomacy, and ability to keep state institutions functioning have made him an unusually consequential wartime leader.
The political challenge ahead
The next phase will be harder: reconstruction, accountability, and eventual negotiations will all test his leadership. His legacy will depend on whether Ukraine emerges as a more secure and more resilient state.
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A map of the main political actors in the war: Ukraine, Russia, Western allies, and the institutions trying to shape the outcome.
Vladimir Putin: From KGB Agent to Autocrat
A short biography of Vladimir Putin, focusing on the rise of his political system and why it matters for the war in Ukraine.