The Rest Is Politics: Leading 184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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Apr 9, 2026 
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine and former entertainer, reflects on family influences and his leap from showbiz to wartime leadership. He discusses choosing to stay in Kyiv, negotiating with Putin, criticisms of Western approaches, NATO and European defence options, and building international security partnerships amid ongoing conflict.
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Choosing To Stay Turned The Tide
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy stayed in Kyiv rather than flee, turning expectation of a quick Russian victory into a rallying point for Ukrainian resistance.
- His decision to remain personally led international recognition of his leadership and sustained national unity in the earliest days of full-scale invasion.
Budapest Memo Left Ukraine Vulnerable
- Zelenskyy argues the 1994 Budapest assurances failed because Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons and received no real security umbrella in return.
- He calls that exchange unfair and says strategic aviation and deterrence were effectively lost to Russia.
Ceasefire Could Become A Dangerous Pause
- Zelenskyy believes Putin no longer expects to occupy all Ukraine and now seeks a pause to regroup, train troops and relieve sanctions pressure.
- He warns a ceasefire that concedes Donbass would be a dangerous pause enabling future offensives.