My Admiration for Volodymyr Zelensky: A Leader of the Decade

 My Admiration for Volodymyr Zelensky: A Leader of the Decade

By Emeka Esogbue

War is perceived differently based on one's background and expertise. For many, it is associated with human suffering and loss of lives.  However, students of diplomacy view war as a complex tool states use to achieve objectives in the international system. 

States relate in the international system to achieve several objectives, which this author does not intend to delve into. War is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon  which has remained persistent in international relations throughout history. It is therefore an aspect of relationship between states in the international system. 

War can be understood in several ways. For Russia and Ukraine, this is about power dynamics. Russia, a stronger power is potentially using the military force to impose its will on Ukraine while Ukraine is fighting to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence as it views Russia's act as an existential threat. 

Russia's actions are attempts to expand its territory with interest in the Donbas region in Crimea and Putin has never hidden it. Although Russia has carefully framed its campaign as a response to perceived threats from Ukraine and NATO, claiming it is acting in self-defence, the goal is the covert change of political leadership in Ukraine as a way to assert its dominance in Eastern Europe but so far, the Ukrainians have been resisting it.

The hero of the ongoing war is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine. Zelenskyy is a former comedian and actor whose filmography includes a mix of comedies, dramas and documentaries. Before emerging the Ukrainian President, he remains a man the Ukrainians loved to admire. Whether by accident or clear design, his filmography pointed to Ukrainian patriotism. Many will remember the Ukrainian TV series where he played a high school teacher who later became the President of Ukraine. 

I admire Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership. His courage and determination in the face of adversity proclaims him across the globe. Zelenskyy's leadership in this time of Russia's aggression earned him recognition as a leading example to world leaders. His bravery, determination and commitment is a political lesson to other world leaders especially on the African continent. Leadership is not frivolous and worthless policies nor an avenue for self-enrichment through corrupt practices. It is a thorough commitment to one's country's sovereignty. 

Zelenskyy is not a soldier and not directly fighting on the warfront but as the Ukrainian President, he continues to provide leadership and strategic direction, enabling his country to defend itself from Russian aggression. That he also occasionally visits the frontline to boost their morale, to understand their needs and cater for them is a quality of a patriotic leader. Recently, he led diplomatic efforts to secure support for Ukraine, expecting his country's allies to render support on more air-defence systems and fighter jets. With Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia's military overestimation has been exposed.