Putin underestimated Zelenskyy

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It’s a world record. No leader before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has managed to hold an address every single day for a straight year. The leader records video statements in his office, a bunker or elsewhere, chronicling the war against his country. The presidential addresses document how he and his country have changed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

On February 23, 2022, mere hours before Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, Zelenskyy recorded a special message to his compatriots and Russian nationals, trying to avert the conflict. He called on Russians to take to the streets in protest, and — speaking in Russian — also warned that “if we are attacked, if there is an attempt to take our land, our freedom, our lives and that of our children, we will defend ourselves.”

“If you attack, we will be facing you, we won’t have our backs turned!” he added. This was the last time the Zelenskyy faced the camera clean-shaven and wearing a suit and tie.

‘I need ammunition, not a ride’: Zelenskyy

Following the invasion by Russia, Zelenskyy and his government remained in Kyiv, even as Russian troops closed in on the capital’s suburbs. This came as a surprise.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had speculated that Zelenskyy would flee to western Ukraine or even abroad. Zelenskyy was reportedly offered help to evacuate, yet turned down the offer.

The Associated Press news agency later quoted Zelenskyy as saying, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” Although the retort has become legendary, it is difficult to verify whether he really said these words. Even still, the message was loud and clear, garnering sympathy abroad and emboldening his people’s fighting spirit.

In weeks prior to Russia’s invasion, many Ukraine watchers had been puzzled by Zelenskyy’s behavior. When Western intelligence agencies and state leaders warned of an impending Russian invasion and pulled embassy staff from Kyiv, the Ukrainian president reacted angrily, expressing distrust and criticism. Later, he revealed his reaction had been intended to stave off panic.

Then, Russia’s invasion changed everything.

Zelenskyy a media savvy leader

On the first day of the war, on February 24, Zelenskyy donned an olive green shirt. This military dress code has become his signature style, along with his five o’clock shadow. This is how the world has now come to know him; this is how he has appeared in countless interviews and on the covers of newspapers and magazines.

On day two of the invasion, he recorded his most important and famous video. The 3 1/2 clip show Zelenskyy along with the prime minister and other members of his leadership team outside Kyiv’s presidential compound at night. It sent a strong message that everyone was still in Ukraine, willing to fight.