Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been named as TIME Person of the Year. Zelenskyy, 44, established himself as a symbol of defiance and democracy as he continues to lead the nation through Russia’s unprovoked attacks on Ukraine.
“For proving that courage can be as contagious as fear, for stirring people to come together in defense of freedom, for reminding the world of the fragility of democracy—and of peace—Zelensky & the spirit of Ukraine are @TIME’s 2022 Person of the Year,” said Time Editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal.
For proving that courage can be as contagious as fear, for stirring people to come together in defense of freedom, for reminding the world of the fragility of democracy—and of peace—Zelensky & the spirit of Ukraine are @TIME’s 2022 Person of the Year. https://t.co/oDukoxIxU3 pic.twitter.com/D4tbqvWKHE — Edward Felsenthal (@efelsenthal) December 7, 2022
Since the beginning of the war with Russia, Zelenskyy stood his ground and led his country with courage and determination. His frequent appearances and speeches have motivated the Ukrainians to fight for their country.
Amid the war, Zelenskyy has risen as a braveheart who is inspiring not just his country but also other European nations. Zelenskyy responded by declaring martial law as soon as Russia invaded the country. He handed over the weapons to every Ukrainian who wanted to defend their country.
Even when the US suggested the Ukrainian president to leave the country, Zelenskyy rejected it and said the fight is here. My country needs me. “I need ammunition, not a ride,” Zelenskyy had said.
His action and courage was praised as it stood in contrast to former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani who fled his country when the Taliban captured Kabul.
After Zelenskyy became president of Ukraine in 2019, he continued to follow a policy of de-Russification of Ukraine. For years, Ukraine’s capital was spelt as Kiev (Russian).
Zelenskyy moved to change the spelling to Kyiv (Ukrainian). Several signposts which were in Russian, were also changed. Not only this, but Zelenskyy also shut down television channels controlled by Putin’s aide.
The turmoil in Ukraine has been going on since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of the country.
Thousands of Ukrainians lost their jobs, homes and loved ones and the numbers are increasing every day. However, several brave instances of resilience from Ukrainians have surfaced on the internet that have won the hearts of netizens.