Don't give in
Zelenskyy shows us how to be strong-willed
Updated: May 30, 2025
Like many Americans, I was disgusted by the US government’s attempt to extort Ukraine’s natural resources. Zelenskyy’s original proposal of a mutually-beneficial investment opportunity was used to try to exploit an ally who is fighting for the values that this country was founded on — independence and democracy. The White House reportedly threatened a withdrawal of support if Zelenskyy didn’t agree to their deal. I understand that Zelenskyy wants to maintain good relations with us, but thankfully, he and his team did not capitulate to unreasonable demands.
Examples of Zelenskyy’s moral fortitude can be found as far back as his time in KVK. There is a fairly well-known story about when Zelenskyy and his team, the 95th Quarter, stopped participating in the program. A few different reasons were given for why they decided to leave, but afterward, Zelenskyy was told he could have a well-paying job if he stayed — alone. He rejected the opportunity, unwilling to betray his team, and they went on to find their own success together.
Fast-forward to 2012, during Yanukovych’s presidency. In an interview, Zelenskyy admitted that he was often asked to “joke more softly in exchange for something.” He and his team were even offered political positions, but, he said, “I know for sure: when you take something from them, you will never be free again.” Later, Zelenskyy revealed that he had met with Yanukovych several times and threatened to close Studio Kvartal 95 entirely rather than submit to censorship by the authorities. He also recounted an occasion when Yanukovych tried to bribe him with $100 million. Zelenskyy’s reason for saying no: “It’s my life, my reputation, my family.”
Zelenskyy has had previous experience with attempted intimidation by the US government. Shortly after he was elected in 2019, he was asked to announce an investigation into then US presidential candidate Joe Biden. Millions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine had been frozen just days prior to the call. Though Zelenskyy said at the time that “nobody pushed me,” Jessica Pisano explains that “in Ukrainian politics, ‘pressure’ (tysk) means not just applying pressure; it usually means that the person being pressured cooperated.” What Zelenskyy was ultimately saying was that he would not be forced into a decision, even by the United States.
He also had to deal with demands from Russia during the early years of his presidency. Part of the 2015 Minsk package of measures included holding elections in Donbas, but the way to proceed was not clearly specified. Putin insisted that elections be held before Ukraine could regain control of their state border. Though Zelenskyy initially endorsed the Steinmeier Formula in order to restart the Normandy Format meetings, he stated many times that elections could only be held after Russian troops left Ukrainian territory. This “refusal to implement the Minsk agreements” is often given as justification for Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Probably the most well-known example of Zelenskyy’s stubbornness is his decision to stay in Kyiv in February 2022, despite knowing that his life would be in danger. Several Western countries offered to help him evacuate, but he turned them all down, opting instead to film a video outside where fighting was still ongoing. “We are all here,” he famously said, proving that he and his administration were not going to abandon the capitol.
I hope Zelenskyy continues to stand his ground. I hope he knows that millions of Americans support his refusal of any unfavorable deals. We should be Ukraine’s partner, not another tyrant trying to take what does not belong to us. Continue to make it very difficult for them, President Zelenskyy — we will all be here with you.
SLAVA UKRAINI
Zelenskyy will sign Trump’s deal today. Enjoy.