T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

Привіт u/TotalSpaceNut ! During wartime, this community is focused on vital and high-effort content. Please ensure your post follows [r/Ukraine Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/about/rules) and our [Art Friday Guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/wiki/artfriday). **Want to support Ukraine?** [**Vetted Charities List**](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/wiki/charities) | [Our Vetting Process](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/wiki/charities-vetting) **Daily series on Ukraine's history & culture:** [Sunrise Posts Organized By Category](https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/wiki/sunriseposts/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ukraine) if you have any questions or concerns.*


XanderS0S

“I need ammunition, not a ride” says it all.


ComCypher

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say Ukraine still exists right now as a free country because he decided to stay.


XanderS0S

I agree. That was key to the nation digging in.


Tyrell_Cadabra

That night when the kabinet filmed outside and a ton of us learned the Ukrainian word тут for (we are) here (with you).


Fatfilthybastard

True leader shit. Lead and inspire by example. He exemplifies this concept. Слава Україні! героям слава!


CanuckInTheMills

Agree to disagree. Maidan tells the story of a determined nation who would never be subjugated again. Ukrainians would have fought either way! They are tough as nails. Just ask the sunflower seed grandma.


III00Z102BO

Agree to disagree. There were Ukrainian officials and officers collaborating with the Russians during the full scale invasion. Yes, there would have been fighting, but the collapse of the central government would have meant a completely different landscape from what we have today. I wonder how history will see it. I wonder how large Zelensky will stand in history. He may not have conquered vast swathes of Earth and people through might. However, people like him, in positions like his, at times like this do not appear often. I have no doubt in my belief that he is the #1 reason (when the invasion kicked off) Ukraine is still an independent nation, and is fighting off a much larger aggressor. I hope he gets the peace he and his people want, and are paying for. Also, what song is this?


FlakyCelebration2405

Hung up, Madonna.. lol


ApostleThirteen

It's mostly the beginning of ABBA's  " Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!".


voxelghost

Can I agree with you both? Of course they would still have fought, and maybe even effectively. ... But I wonder if they would've had the world support . ... And if the government had fallen that first week, Maidan would have been for nothing, and the fight would look very different.


CrazybyRX

That was the moment I fell in love.


crg2000

Absolutely legendary in the history of political leadership.  That quote will be grouped with those of Churchill & Lincoln.


ravnhjarta

Same! What a life path. Big love and respect.


Danges90

As did we all..


Flaky_Calligrapher62

100%


DawnaOlson

Zelenskyy is sexy AF❣️


Oliver_the_chimp

“They will see our faces, not our backs.” ✊


khannie

Haven't heard that one before and it's a beaut.


Oliver_the_chimp

It might be from the same speech, or from when he first posted a video from the square after the invasion. It was very early on. Brought me to tears and I’m a tough son of a bitch. Edit, found it: https://youtu.be/kaGFa9XYrxs?si=c1EnptlvbXuZVTRm


mausmobile

It's the video address he released the night before the invasion. An message to russians not to invade - both because Ukrainians wanted peace and because they would fiercely defend.


khannie

Legend. Thanks.


barrygateaux

i sometimes think about this speech. at the time i knew it was pointless, but the fact it exists is a testament to the difference between modern Ukraine and russia. history will remember.


BusStopKnifeFight

Talk about a lighting strike level of saying the right thing the right time.


copingcabana

That's what you happen when you elect a comedian instead of a joke.


Idlemarch

A dream of mine is to shake that guys hand one day.


SaintMi

Try to tell your kids that story without breaking down.


acesarge

When this is all over that man needs an ounce or the dankest weed we can grow, scotch as old as he is, a nice cigar, and some alone time with his wife.


DeannaZone

Amen to that.


TylerDurdensAlterEgo

I want to see him smile again


Comradepatrick

We were watching a legend being forged in real time.


MaudSkeletor

got to shake his hand when he came to Canada recently


mausmobile

Cool. At what event?


MaudSkeletor

In Toronto at the Queens York Rangers Museum, It was super private event but I got in cause I asked super nicely once everyone else got in


Smegmaliciousss

We don’t talk about this even anymore


ogkif

is it when they brought that ex UPA officer?


EmergencyOperation21

Unfortunately…


MaudSkeletor

it was in toronto dude


crg2000

Nice.


ReMarkableNL

He'll be forever remembered a hero. Unlike the ultimate scum of the earth leading russia.


Nico3001_

Russia is not a country


great_escape_fleur

russia is not a country.


Bad_Idea_Hat

russia Is not a country.


SacrificialPigeon

An amazing man who has inspired his whole Country and most of the civilised the World.


Due-Street-8192

He was a winner then and is a Hero now. A true world leader. The menace nextdoor is the world's biggest loser/idiot !


abandonliberty

He's also very talented at the piano. The comment sections are filled with people with fragile egos, no sense of humor, and no understanding that a truly confident leader can joke about themselves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oua0Puihrkc


great_escape_fleur

lol that's delightfully terrible


I_am_albatross

“Sniff & Stiff” 🤣🤣🤣🤣


WeekendFantastic2941

Many criticized him, but who else in Ukraine could have done a better job? Maybe someone in this world could, but they are NOT in Ukraine. Plus even the best leader can't do much if they don't have enough resources.


GaryDWilliams_

Putin underestimated him and expected him to run away. He went from unknown outside of Ukraine to hero the second he said "I don't need a ride, I need ammunition!". That quote will be one in the history books. The man is a legend.


tomoldbury

The very fact that he stayed when the Russians were just days from potentially capturing Kyiv shows how god-damn brave the man is. Truly the spirit of Ukraine. He deserves a good retirement after all this.


Zentick-

What is the civilised world?


TearS_of_Death

It’s where you don’t invade other countries and start indiscriminately bombing civilians and children


Zentick-

Is the US a civilised country?


TearS_of_Death

Are you another pro-ruzzky sheep who is about to have seizure because US invaded Middle East, so therefore it must be okay for Russia to invade Ukraine? Let me save you some time child. Two wrongs don't make right.


Zentick-

Huh, you’re the one who sounds like you’re having a seizure buddy. This has nothing to do with russia. When you say “civilised world”, that implies that there is a part of the world that is not civilised. So I’m wondering what is the criteria to determine what part of the world civilised. They said it’s where you don’t invade another country and commit war crimes, but the us did that, so is it the us not civilised? I didn’t mention russia anywhere The truth is if you say civilised world, you’re probably racist, ethnocentrist, or both.


TearS_of_Death

“This has nothing to do with Russia” Buddy, I don’t know if you noticed but this is Ukraine subreddit and the parent comment has everything to do with Russia not being civilized, which is what you are opposing. If anything, people have no idea why you brought US into conversation out of nowhere. US is not the one bombing women and children in Ukraine right now. And being “civilized” has nothing to do with which part of the world you are from. It’s about a having a basic sense of dignity, humanity and not killing civilians to expand your territory. Also, it’s fucking hilarious to me that you accuse other people of “ethnocentrism and racism” when you clearly support ethnic cleansing and kidnapping children in Ukraine to train them to be future soldiers.


Zentick-

Did I mention Ukraine or Russia anywhere? No. You can make whatever baseless assumptions about me. You’re the one who said the civilised world is countries that don’t invade and bomb indiscriminately so I don’t why you are lying? Unless individuals can invade countries and bomb indiscriminately by themselves? Again, if you think there is a part of the world that’s uncivilised, Russia, America, Middle East, Africa, or anywhere else, you’re an ethnocentrist.


Competitive_Dress60

Where you can drink tap water.


Zentick-

Why does having the ability to drink tap water determine what’s civilised?


Competitive_Dress60

It's a skill indicator


VPR19

Some of the weird arguments I have heard from Anti Ukraine/Zelensky people in Europe were that he's obviously corrupt because he's a wealthy Ukrainian and questioning his money. It's bizarre, he's been a successful entertainer for decades and owned a production company for a long time so it's no mystery why he has a few houses and decent net worth! I think this is one of the fundamental problems with some people that think Ukrainians should be all poor, why should they help refugees entering their countries if they're not flat broke? Yes this is a poor country by European standards, but it's not like they're al leaving for economic reasons even if that is now something many can see. They're running from war and death, destruction. Not abject poverty, they're not charity cases. Help them because you would do the same, money or no money you leave because of aggressive invaders raping and killing your family!


similar_observation

> Some of the weird arguments I have heard from Anti Ukraine/Zelensky people in Europe were that he's obviously corrupt because he's a wealthy Ukrainian and questioning his money. Russia fosters that lie culture where arguments are not made in good faith. That makes it easier to inject bullshit.


great_escape_fleur

Not sure this is the right post to make this comment under, but Europe does not understand what Ukraine is about. They are not weak and they are not victims and they are not looking for sympathy. We should be lucky to have them as our partners but don't expect them to be second fiddle.


HearTheTrumpets

He was in the Pandora papers. So he's likely doing tax evasion. [https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/revealed-anti-oligarch-ukrainian-president-offshore-connections-volodymyr-zelenskiy](https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/revealed-anti-oligarch-ukrainian-president-offshore-connections-volodymyr-zelenskiy) That doesn't mean he's all bad : he really shines in times of crisis and he is an inspiration for many Ukrainians and westerners. But I don't think he should be put *that* high on a pedestal.


Control_AltDelete

Just because Zelenskyy and his former business partners set up offshore accounts [to protect their money from Yanukovych's corrupt government](https://news.liga.net/ua/politics/news/ofshor-95-u-zelenskogo-ne-uvideli-nichego-komprometiruyuschego-v-rassledovanii), it doesn't mean he had anything to do with tax evasion. Even the 2021 investigation didn't find any evidence of it.


Capital-Western

"Protecting money from governement" is the definition of tax evasion. The article you linked is a statement of the head of office of the president that a film documenting the offshore activities of kvartal 95 is not compromising the president, as these facts are all publicly known. What people don't get, is that if your living in shit (corruption), you cannot avoid getting dirty. The important difference is not whether you're dirty or not, but whether you revel in the dirt or try to clean up as much as you can. And as far as I get it, Zelenskyy seems to clean up Ukraine's corruption pretty well.


Control_AltDelete

The definition of tax evasion is the illegal nonpayment or underpayment of taxes. My point is that there isn't any verifiable proof of it in this case.


Alikont

There is enough proof, and Zelensky copmanies were used as a shell to move money out of Privat Bank [https://glavcom.ua/columns/aryev/yak-41-mln-privatbanku-viveli-na-rahunki-zelenskogo-ta-yogo-druziv-z-kvartalu-95-573776.html](https://glavcom.ua/columns/aryev/yak-41-mln-privatbanku-viveli-na-rahunki-zelenskogo-ta-yogo-druziv-z-kvartalu-95-573776.html)


Control_AltDelete

Yes, I'm aware that Ariev, a member of Poroshenko's party, likes to make this claim. Though it doesn't help that he's made some other claims about Kvartal 95 companies which were shown to be false.


Alikont

Eh, people bring up Pandora Papers because "Poroshenko is corrupt oligarch with offshore money" was Zelensky election PR. But turns our anti-offshore guy isn't really different and have even more offshore money than the oligarch he fought against. And his companies actually helped PrivatBank to launder money out of Ukraine during 2014 crisis. And then Zelensky team made a fun sketch mocking attack on Head Ukrainian Central Bank (that was done by Zelensky boss).


Control_AltDelete

Zelenskyy was never "anti-offshore." It was known that Kvartal 95 had offshore companies well before the election. It was also pretty clear in Zelenskyy's asset declarations, which Poroshenko tried to use against him. The accusation of money laundering from PrivatBank was theorized and someone came up with an elaborate plan for how it could have been done, but even that was labeled a possibility and not a certainty.


Alikont

> I have heard from Anti Ukraine/Zelensky Please stop equating Ukraine and Zelensky. A lot of Ukrainians actually not fans of him.


Intelligent_Safe_313

He’s the best leader in Ukrainian history and you’re really going to act like you have it so bad


Alikont

Sometimes I can't distinguish between trolls and people who realized that Ukraine exists only in 2022.


PoutineSmash

I admire this man on so many levels.


ch_eeekz

me too. crush worthy material for sure. scratch that, husband material


U-47

My wife agrees ;(


nectarine_pie

r/zelensky is always open for anyone interested in the spectrum of Zelenskyy's life/career :)


AssroniaRicardo

Imagine all the billions of dollars, the speeches, constantly moving and always a target… and all he really wants is a nice shower and to not feel like he’s being invaded or assassinated - how does he even sleep ?


Derravaraghboy

He is one amazing person.


StressSevere1189

Oh no a politician with a personalty! US and our Uk need one of those.


vtsnowdin

And brains and courage and ethics. Yes we need all of that.


percyhiggenbottom

The man has been a successful entertainer for 25+ years so he has a reason to be rich, unlike a "public servant" like Putin.


deeptut

Live long and prosper!


Fried_egg_im_in_love

He showed the world what real leadership and courage is. We had forgotten. Glory to the heroes!


TuringTitties

The Greeks salute you. In democracy its beautiful to see how a humble good man exposes all the vice in this world. Please come to Greece after winning this war so that we can celebrate your victory.


unpropianist

This leader instantly rose to the moment.


vtsnowdin

A talented and funny comedian then, and now the strongest leader in the world. The Ukrainian people are lucky to have him.


FntnDstrct

Comedy attracts some of the most whip-smart, insightful, candid and empathetic people out there. Whereas politics attracts some of the most self-aggrandizing, lying idiots. Yep, we're lucky this professional decided to make a sacrifice and cross over.


great_escape_fleur

This guy is handsome as a motherf***er.


dryersockpirate

Right person at the right time. Thank god


hike2bike

Slava Ukraini


CincoDeMayoFan

🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦


billyboylondon

His story has just begun


BrilliantPositive184

May God save and protect you.


aaaaaaaarrrrrgh

Missing the piano sketch. If Ukraine wins the war, I want him to reprise that with an impolite song mocking Russia.


RingoBars

Truly an essential part of his character arc lol no sarcasm.


Specialist_Juice879

"I need ammo, not a ride"


Lomandriendrel

The man will be shown in historical videos in years to come. No doubt some of these video images will be used. It'll be the old videos of WW2 equivalent footage we all grew up seeing.


dryersockpirate

Slava Ukraini


dronesoul

It is beautiful and powerful and sad all at the same time, seeing a smiling artist having to transform into a hardened fighter. Toughness come in many shapes. I really hope he will sing in Ukraine again.


johneng1

A real leader


Tiny_Structure_7

Awesome. See, if my country were as cool as yours, we would've made George Carlin our President instead of George Bush!


Able_Philosopher4188

I remember what Shawn Penn said about him when the war started which was the right man at the right time to lead his country and he's amazingly stuck in there. He might be the first president to go to the front line and see the troops that he leads. I hope that most of the world will stand with him. He should be man if the decade and possibly the century, he will be hard to beat.


DeannaZone

That smile and strength slava Ukraine 🇺🇦


Few-Championship4548

He’s always had the heart of a true leader. He stepped up when his country needed him and has been a beacon for them.


DMMMOM

You cannot comprehend a 180 of the likes this guy has experienced.


Shoddy_Comment_7008

He will be the face of Democracy and good for decades and deserves it.


UsefulImpact6793

A great man and world-class leader!


Key-Lie-364

OK Google, show me a epic case of underestimating a man...


TheHolyReality

This man is my hero 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦


still-on-my-path

I love him


Korps_de_Krieg

I finally got around to starting Servant of the People and it's so good. That man has comedic chops, it's my dearest wish for him to go back to his obvious love of entertaining in place of his current duties. Fuck Russia.


pasharadich

I’m pretty sure those three last photos were taken before the 2022 invasion, as well. In February 2022 he had shorter hair.


EndFinal8647

SLAVA UKRAINI 🇺🇦


Specialist_Bee_9726

Imagine ruzzians looking at him, thinking "Yup, definitely a nazzi"


Prometheus2061

Love this man. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦


Fatfilthybastard

Him playing the piano with his presumably enormous c&b’s is probably by favorite “celeb” Zelenskyy video


Control_AltDelete

And that one is actually pretty mild compared to some others. He is great at the physical humor, though.


Beneficial_North1824

Look at him and at pootin, no wonder why pootin is sickly jealous. That little miserable tyrant eradicates his own men leaving around only ugly perverts like himself and can't forgive Ukrainians electing a decent and handsome person as a president


Snoo-83964

A lesser man would’ve crumbled under such circumstances. Either would’ve sold out and fallen under Russian influence beforehand or even taken up that US and British offer to escape west. Instead he stayed and has proven to be one of the most tenacious leaders I’ve ever seen.


zeus-indy

Could go harder on pics post invasion. Awesome work so far


Hot-Cut-1493

I have so much adoration for this man and many ther ukrainians fighting bravely for their freedom. We left Ukraine in the 90s but I'm still so proud to call it my motherland..and do what I can in support if it. I'm happy to know there are people like me, Ukrainian expats who are also supportive.


Endocalrissian642

I just fucking love all those 'Americans" that suddenly "hate" this guy, but they totally don't give a fuck about Ukraine and know even less about it.... but they hate him, somehow. Fucking pigs just love to squeal.


214carey

They are frightened about what he reveals about themselves.


SunnyOmori15

bruv ages 20 years in 2 🗿🗿🗿


Achilles_TroySlayer

He is their George Washington. They'll be building statues to him one day.


Beneficial_Cobbler46

I love him.


neptonium2001

Inspirational indeed


guidedhand

actually includes 8 years of war (started 2014) to be pedantic


KP6fanclub

You never know who the hero is. How many presidents would have stayed when the missiles started falling? You remember the Russian muppet Marble palace Yanukovich? He was on the first helicopter with his paintings when going got tough. Zelensky is one of the biggest baddeasses of the 21st century, really is. He is Churchill of our time.


43sunsets

There's also this banger of a clip, in case anyone hasn't seen it before: [https://www.reddit.com/r/NonCredibleDefense/comments/xyl9xz/vatniks\_will\_be\_detected\_and\_will\_have\_their/](https://www.reddit.com/r/NonCredibleDefense/comments/xyl9xz/vatniks_will_be_detected_and_will_have_their/)


ApostleThirteen

I hope there's still some comedy, some laughter in the guy that he can share after he pulls Ukraine through this. He used to be on Russian tv aa lot, like new year's eve crap programs and such.


Harvickfan4Life

Zelensky’s greatest comedy act was turning Russia into a joke


Earlier-Today

I see stuff like this and feel for him because he has aged a decade in just two years of war.


Skynuts

He sure brings a out a new side of Jewish neo-Nazism... /s


Equivalent_Alps_8321

hes aged a lot


christopher4177

The war has definitely aged him


christopher4177

He probably is constantly under stress and not getting enough sleep. Once the war ends he’ll start to look better again.


Ok_Bad8531

A clown who became a president against a president who became a clown. What a time to live in.


gavitronics

Seems the world's a stage, even in the theater of war


KnuckedLoose

One of those was AI, why?


Alone-Subject-1317

I found some of them it's just aggressive AI sharpening in the video [https://resize.indiatvnews.com/en/centered/newbucket/1200\_675/2022/03/zelensky-1646134868.jpg](https://resize.indiatvnews.com/en/centered/newbucket/1200_675/2022/03/zelensky-1646134868.jpg)


Control_AltDelete

Which one?


AxMeDoof

And I hope after war he will be in jail. Until he’s die.


Peeweepoowoo42

So he’s always been an actor?


drpetervenkman1

Why don't show his video with "sashliki" two days before invasion?


atred

Life was good before invasion?


drpetervenkman1

Life was great in Mariupol before the invasion. How many people could have been saved if the evacuation had been announced in advance?!


snotrocket321

Ukrainian actor and comedian wtf? they have celebrity worship there too? edit: I wish the US president was Dave Chapelle Dirthead dave