James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine Correspondent, reported that Donald Trump once called Volodymyr Zelensky “The best salesman in history” for securing aid from the US for Ukraine. Zelensky’s role in keeping Ukraine in the spotlight and rallying allies to invest in the country has been crucial in its fight. Zelensky’s transformation from a prime-time comedian to a wartime president began in 2022 when he chose to stay in Kyiv as Russian troops advanced, a decision that led Ukraine to defend itself. Over the years, Zelensky has evolved into a more authoritative and battle-hardened figure, shaped in part by his increased isolation on the international stage. With uncertainty surrounding Trump’s second term and their strained relationship, Zelensky may need to adapt once again.
Zelensky’s strategic lobbying efforts have been successful in securing support from Western nations, including air defenses, tanks, and fighter jets. His calculated approach, including attending the Munich security conference before the invasion, played a key role in personalizing support for Ukraine. Zelensky’s visibility through daily video addresses and Ukraine’s victory in the battle of Kyiv further solidified his role as a symbol of the country’s survival and boosted his case for continued military aid.
However, as challenges mounted and successes waned, Zelensky’s messaging and diplomacy faced criticism for not adapting quickly enough. The dynamics of support for Ukraine shifted after a failed counter-offensive in 2023, with some questioning the merits of backing Kyiv. Zelensky’s lack of diplomatic finesse and failure to adjust his approach to changing circumstances were highlighted as potential weaknesses.
In a pivotal meeting with Trump in 2024, tensions between the two leaders escalated, leading to a diplomatic disaster for Ukraine. Despite their shared desire to end the war, the lack of chemistry between them was evident. Zelensky’s lack of diplomatic experience and his strained relationship with Trump raised concerns about his ability to navigate international politics effectively. James Waterhouse is not your typical political leader, known for kissing babies and shaking hands. James Waterhouse Puedes enviarnos tus comentarios sobre la sección de InDepth haciendo clic en el botón abajo.