Background on Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the current President of Ukraine, has been a central figure in his nation’s resistance against Russian aggression since 2019. Before entering politics, Zelenskyy was a successful comedian and actor, which helped him connect with the Ukrainian people. His unique background and charisma played a significant role in his election as president, defeating the incumbent Petro Poroshenko with 73.22% of the votes.
Zelenskyy’s Stance on War and Resignation
In an interview with Axios published on Thursday, Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to resign once the war with Russia concludes. He stated, “If we finish the war with the Russians, yes, I am ready not to run (for re-election) because the elections are not my goal.” Zelenskyy emphasized his commitment to ending the war, which has raged for over three and a half years.
Ukrainian Elections and the Ley Martial
Zelenskyy mentioned that he would ask the Ukrainian Parliament to organize elections if a ceasefire is achieved. The next presidential election, scheduled for 2024, was suspended under the martial law enacted following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has repeatedly questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as a leader due to the suspension of elections.
Public Support for Zelenskyy
Throughout the prolonged conflict, Zelenskyy has maintained a high level of public trust and confidence. His daily messages on social media, visits to frontline soldiers, and international diplomacy have kept him at the forefront of public opinion. A September survey by Kyiv International Sociology Institute revealed that approximately 59% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy, while around 34% do not.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Zelenskyy is the President of Ukraine, previously a comedian and actor. He was elected in 2019 with a significant majority.
- Why is Zelenskyy open to resignation? Zelenskyy stated that he would consider stepping down once the war with Russia ends, as his primary goal is to bring peace to Ukraine.
- What is the status of Ukrainian elections? The 2024 presidential election has been postponed due to martial law enacted after Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy has indicated that new elections could be organized if a ceasefire is achieved.
- How much public support does Zelenskyy have? According to a September survey, around 59% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy, while approximately 34% do not.
