"The war left a visible mark on him." How has Zelensky changed?

The inexplicable aggression of Russian troops on Ukrainian territory has been going on for a year. President Volodymyr Zelensky participates in the daily struggle to push the enemy beyond the borders of Ukraine. It is not difficult to notice that since the beginning of the war his face has changed a lot. From month to month, he becomes more and more tired, which can be seen by analyzing his photos.

Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president of Ukraine in April 2019. Previously, he was an actor. He is best known for his roles in romantic comedies. He was especially remembered for playing in the TV series “Servant of the People”. In it, he played a history teacher who, as a result of a coincidence, is elected president of Ukraine. Zelensky charmed his viewers with a constant smile. Less than three years after winning the election, however, it is less and less frequent on his lips.

Even at the beginning of February 2022, Zelensky was a very cheerful man. On social media, he willingly shared, among others, photos and videos with his wife Olena.

The outbreak of war changed everything

Everything changed on February 24, 2022, when, at the behest of Vladimir Putin, the Russian army launched an invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky was forced to exchange the suit he wore every day for sweaters and other military clothes. The president stood up for his homeland and from the beginning did not intend to leave it.

Despite the strong pressure of the Russian army in the first days of the invasion, the Ukrainians bravely defended themselves. Throughout this time, Zelensky stayed in Kyiv, as evidenced by the special video he recorded.

Over the past year, Zelensky was forced to make a great effort. The president of Ukraine cannot afford even a moment's respite. This is evidenced by the fact how much his face has changed during this time.

Already a few days after the start of the war, she was very tired. There was also stubble on it, which had previously been thoroughly shaved. The Ukrainian leader's complexion turned sallow, and his eyes became puffy. The incessant smile was replaced by great sadness and seriousness. On the day of Volodymyr Zelensky's 45th birthday, a special video appeared on social media, showing a change in his face.

The transformation of the president of Ukraine can also be seen on a special graphic. It shows a photo of his face at the start of the war and a photo from a few days ago.

He knows how to talk to leaders

Since the beginning of the invasion of Russian troops on Ukrainian territory, Zelensky has been constantly appealing to representatives of Western countries for help. I've met many of them over the years. He also gave numerous speeches at major sporting and cultural events.

Less than a month after the start of the war, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa arrived in Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelensky thanked them for their courageous testimony of support for Ukraine.

In early April 2022, a pre-recorded speech by Zelensky was presented at the Grammy Awards ceremony. In it, the Ukrainian president appealed to musicians for support for his country during the war.

Last June, Kyiv was visited by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. During the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, they supported the idea of ​​immediately granting Ukraine candidate status for joining the European Union.

Relations between Ukraine and Poland flourished during the war. In August, after an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky, the presidents of the two countries met in Kyiv. An avenue was then created in the Ukrainian capital in honor of the leaders who visited the country invaded by Russia during the war. The plaque of President Andrzej Duda was unveiled as the first.

At the end of 2022, the president of Ukraine went on a trip to the United States. There in Washington, he met Joe Biden.

The leaders of both countries discussed further military support from the Americans for the Ukrainians. A few days ago, Biden and Zelensky met again, this time in Kyiv.