Discussion: A Zelenskyy of Our Own
Searching for a leader
As the situation in the US predictably worsens, concerned citizens are longing for inspiration and organization. Americans have noticed the intrepid Ukrainian president who refused to back down when his country was attacked, and very often, I’m seeing the question asked, “Who is our Zelenskyy?” I had a conversation about this with my friend, Marie, a fellow American and someone who has also been closely following the events in Ukraine.
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and content.
L: I've seen a lot of people commenting that they want a leader like Zelenskyy. Why do you think that is, and why Zelenskyy in particular?
M: I've noticed this too. It's striking because people are saying it from different countries and in a variety of contexts. I think people feel like everything is out of control, like a darkness is taking over and they're powerless to stand against it. They know they're not alone, but what's missing is someone to act as a unifier and demonstrate courage.
The world has watched Zelenskyy defy an invasion and not give up in the face of overwhelming odds, for three years now. It makes sense that they see something in him that sparks hope.
L: I have absolutely felt a lack of effective resistance here in the US. Does it seem to you that people are noticing Zelenskyy more now in comparison to others who have recently risen to power?
M: It does seem that way. When you have the leader of a powerful country demonstrating complete lack of respect for other nations, including allies, the contrast is very stark. On one hand we see a person who bullies and threatens neighbors, reduces everything to a transaction, and seems to have no moral compass. In contrast, Zelenskyy values the friendship of even the smallest countries and offers help during disasters. It's almost startling to encounter a leader who believes in doing right things just because they are right. Refreshing like a bucket of cold water.
L: While I'm sure that there is someone in the US who embodies those qualities, I also think that Zelenskyy is a product of his environment — a country whose history has been very different from our own. I want someone as inspiring, but Zelenskyy's popularity on the world stage may be fairly unique.
M: I certainly hope the circumstances that have made him so well known outside of Ukraine are never repeated. When I see someone say "We need a Zelenskyy right now" or ask "Where's our Zelenskyy?" I wonder — how common are people like him? He came from an unassuming background, and had parents who raised him well. That's not so unusual. But his famous optimism, drive, and charisma — was he born under a lucky star? I think he captured the attention of the world because most of us had never seen someone like him.
It's probably counterproductive to imagine him as a unique phenomenon. He's a regular guy — a relatable person. It's conceivable that other leaders could emerge who have similar qualities and behave as he does. Especially if they have an example to follow.
L: The other thing I see discussed often is whether it's good or bad to have a "TV star" in politics. You and I both understand that this really has little to do with Zelenskyy's skill as a leader, but let's talk about which traits we should be looking out for here.
M: I used to be very against celebrities going into politics, and I'm still wary of it. Zelenskyy has changed my thinking so I no longer see fame as a disqualifier. Motivation is obviously critical. Are you seeking office as a vehicle for power and acclaim, or because you want to serve? Were you a good person before and during your climb to stardom? The qualities that make a successful entertainment personality are some of the same that allow a leader to connect with constituents, communicate well, and persuade other leaders to support their goals. People like to remark that Zelenskyy puts his "showman" background to good use, but I don't think it's a bad thing. He became a star and successful businessman because he was already a leader.
L: I agree that it has more to do with what led to becoming famous than simply having been in the spotlight. That's why it bothers me when people reduce Zelenskyy's past to "actor" or "comedian" and try to make comparisons based solely on that. As I've written about previously, his background is much more diverse, and his path to stardom says a lot about his character.
If I were to try to describe a person like Zelenskyy, I would say we need a person with a strong will, a great deal of energy, someone who deeply understands common people, and someone who has a proven history of altruism. Is there anything else you would add?
M: One important quality is the ability to respect and cooperate with a wide range of people, not all of whom may be politically aligned. I am continually amazed at Zelenskyy's ability to connect with unexpected allies, like Boris Johnson, Giorgia Meloni, and Javier Milei. He has a strong moral core, but he also favors a pragmatic approach that makes things happen.
I think a strong leader also needs a deep well of creativity. Politics tends towards inertia and deadlock. A good leader will need fresh perspective and can't be afraid of trying an unconventional idea or doing things a different way. Zelenskyy is always about modernizing and improving. Not all of his ideas fly, but some of them take off.
L: Zelenskyy has managed more than once to rally many people to his cause. He won his election in 2019 with over 73% of the vote, and he helped to form a coalition of over 100 countries at last year's Global Peace Summit. What are some of the strategies he used during his election campaign and in the last few years to mobilize supporters?
M: His secret weapons are direct communication and humanity. He eschewed traditional campaign methods in favor of a campaign vlog that took viewers behind the scenes and showed him to be a genuine person. (There's a moment in his learning process where he realizes it's going to be a difficult road, and he talks about giving up. I'm amazed he left that vulnerable moment in.) He promoted unity rather than playing on divisions in society.
During the war, he has famously continued to talk directly to his people by releasing a short video address nearly every evening for over 1000 days. He forges personal relationships with other world leaders. He tirelessly does speeches, events, and interviews to keep the world's attention on Ukraine's fight. He goes to dangerous spots on the front lines and visits wounded soldiers and sick children. He expresses deep pride in Ukrainians but never takes credit for their accomplishments. He has winked, humbled himself before reporters, shared his love for family, hugged, laughed, cursed, and demonstrated steely resolve. People recognize a light in him and respond to his spirit.
L: So I think the bottom line is that we're looking for someone with clear, unyielding principles who isn't afraid to take risks and is willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of the country. Someone who tries to lead more by example than by command.
M: Yes. And I do think we have people like that in the US. Maybe what's missing is something intangible — a certain spark.
What do you think? What is it about Zelenskyy that inspires you, and do you feel like you have a leader (whether you live in the US or elsewhere) who has that certain spark? Let’s continue the discussion.