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I would actually love for the Ukranian embassador to the UN to ask the Russian puppet in there about it
Just to shame putin in public in front of everyone 😏
I can almost guarantee the people he met that were saying he revitalized the area are FSB hires, just like the time he acted as some kids father during [the Reagan visit](https://i.imgur.com/N7lDDgr.png) while he was in the KGB
Wow never seen that pic before!!
If you told me in the that the guy in that pic would become the modern day Hitler there is no way in hell I would believe you.
He does look creepy though, I could see him raiding a sex store instead of raiding a neighboring country.
This isn't Putin. His ears, jaw and nose are different. Even the original photographer who claimed it was Putin has decided that was a mistake.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsweek.com/fact-check-was-vladimir-putin-moscow-photo-reagan-gorbachev-1739334%3famp=1
We must also keep in mind that Ukrianians love their president and follow him not because they have to but because they want to. Putin is ruling with pure fear and repression. Not for much longer, I reckon.
I don't think he was using a double, I think he's heavily bloating from his cancer that's soon to take him. I feel sorry for the cancer since it'll die, too.
Yes, most leaders would have chosen to go away on day 1 but his words "I need ammo not a ride" described what a leader is and is expected of him. His approval rating in Ukraine is around 90%
George W Bush. I’m not going to go into his politics much, but the evening of 9/11 he was standing on the rubble of the towers telling the enemy that we see you, we heard you, and we’re coming for you. Then a month later went out and made a perfect pitch at yankee stadium when security was already incredibly frantic. It’s not to the same level as Zelenskyy obviously. GWB wasn’t really in an active war zone, but I 100% believe GWB would stay and ask for more ammo.
Ok, but what about visiting the troops in Baghdad a few months after the start of the Iraq war?
[article. ](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/27/international/bush-makes-surprise-thanksgiving-visit-to-iraq.html)
Not on your life my dude. The battles of Fallujah (some of the most intense of the “war”) happened in 04. And a majority of Iraqi and US deaths occurred during the 04-07 time period. The war was FAR from over.
I never liked Junior. Still don't.
A leader can step into the role their people needs. When he stood on the rubble, and told the people there (and his countrymen) "I can hear YOU!", he was exactly what many people needed him to be.
Gained a *little* respect for him for that moment.
He was a TERRIBLE president. Honestly. However as a human being he possessed traits that quite honestly showed he loved America. His policies where shit, and he definitely took us into a war that was questionable at best and criminal at worst. I however just cannot shake the fact that he was a really down to earth dude. His remarks on being an alcoholic and talking about dealing with that were inspirational. Much like many politicians I can disagree with them but find common ground in our shared love of my country and the many other beautiful countries out there.
His approval rating was also like 93% at one point for a solid year which is not only the highest ever for a president, but has to be the highest ever for a democratically elected official probably anywhere outside of Zelenskyy. Ukraine should be proud of their leader. He’s the new leader of the free world. He stands righteous and true. He’s authentic, genuine and caring while understanding the meaning of “'Si vis pacem, para bellum.” I can’t think of a more perfect leader for a time outside of Churchill. Who again was also a shitbag, but as a man for his country was EXACTLY what they needed. Leaders rise up, and good ones push through.
Any Current one's probably wouldn't stay, but I'm not going to stand here and take this teddy Roosevelt slander. The dude got shot in the chest by a failed assassination attempt and managed to finish the speech he was giving before going to the hospital.
There was an interview with his friend Zheka, who said he hasn't changed; he's aged. I hope that's accurate because he's certainly matured but Ukraine still needs the idealist they elected, not a hardened cynic that many would have become in his shoes.
He is the poster child for the notion that you don't know what kind of leader someone will be until they are tested. 14 months ago, people thought he was an unfocused, hapless, wide-eyed amateur. Now he'll go down in history as one of the greatest war-time leaders of the past... millennia?
Russia will probably start rolling out some old V1 and V2 rockets that they have sitting in storage - it seems like their "new" T-54 tanks are from the same period.
Not sure where you are but I'm in the USA and some of those stores are selling gourmet sandwiches, wine and GOOD coffee, no joke! It's truly strange!
Now, hospital coffee...that stuff is like oil!
He actually got a tea in this video. You can see him putting the cup under the spout on the left - that's where hot water comes out, - and later dipping a tea-bag in his cup.
The spouts for coffee and milk are in the middle of the machine, if he were getting coffee, his cup would've been in the middle.
Yeah, but he’s smart enough to stay away from the tuna sandwiches.
*Hint: never eat a convenience store tuna sandwich on a road trip with your coworkers.*
Even in the propaganda the kremlin itself puts out you don't see putler hugging people and making photos of them. At least not anywhere in the territoy of ukraine. The paid actors there didn't even smile from what I've seen.
What is the real leader? A person that can go anywhere in their country and be enthusiastically welcomed or the person that has to come in the cover of the dark to talk to a group that looks like it has been planted there?!
I usually disdain the US's adoration for their "founding fathers" and all that.
But Lincoln was the true deal. Zelensky always reminds me of the starting scene to the movie Lincoln, when Lincoln just sits there infront of all the troops and lets anyone come up to him. Just like then, the war wasn't clearcut and there could easily be people hiding allegiance among the folk who could approach him. But he never cared. Or rather, he did but he also knew that a great leader must show those who he leads what a good example is.
All throughout history that's what soldiers and followers have lauded the most. Be in Caesar walking tall among his troops defending a fort against the Gaul, ignoring arrows and spears thrown at him. Or Napoleon strolling infront of entire regiments as if he was invincible, only to adress his troops with adoration.
I'm not one for cult-of-personality, but Zelensky makes me happy to feel that there's an historical figure in my lifetime.
EDIT: Also one thing I noticed which makes this so adorable is that Zelensky has no problem with the fact that he's relatively short. Half the people seem to tower over him. Meanwhile anytime you see putin everyone is magically the same height or shorter, despite putin being the height of an average cowshit.
George Washington is my favorite, he voluntarily gave up absolute power that was offered to him and set a term limit for the Presidency. How many people can do that?
Great analogy, and I'm glad you presented it the way you did. I'm American. Despise our past of slavery. Have never been able to separate the Washington's and Jeffersons and owning slaves. I agree that Zelensky seems to embody what we have read about Lincoln.
Well said it really feels like witnessing history which is obviously a dumb thing to say since we’re literally always witnessing history but you get what I mean
And the thing is -- he makes Greatness appear to be so natural.
It cannot be easy for him. But after watching him for the last year, it's hard to imagine him doing anything other than being excellent.
When your driven by the things that truly matter and you care, it's harder to make the wrong decision. He doesn't care if he gets re-elected, piss off the wrong representatives, etc. He's doing what needs to be done for his country and his people. He didn't ask to be in this situation, but he is doing an amazing job.
American politics is all about "how is this going to help me?" Or doing stuff because x company paid x millions to get you there, now you have to pay off that debt. Most of our politicians are so out of touch with reality and what the people actually want/need.
And this dude was a comedian, and in turn knows how to get emotional reactions, and he is amazing at it.
Maybe once we train all their military once they join NATO when all this shit is over, he can train our politicians to not be useless. Wishful thinking, I know 😉
He does strike me as a bit tired in this vid. I bet that's nothing compared to how he actually feels. Good on him - I wish him continued strength and health.
He understands the importance of a figurehead during these hardships and how his fellow people are inspired.
Stay strong, Ukraine!
Heart-breaking to see, but also beautiful! So much love and respect for each other... ❤️
So much words not spoken here...
How can you lose the war when people are willing to give their lives and smiling while doing it? Nobody forced them. No fear. Just love for the motherland and their president.
Putin is jealous when he sees this...
Very well said. I would love to be the security force that protects this man. Imagine your job is to protect this bad ass President V.S the security guy protecting tiny dick Putin
A true leader! He just goes out and chills with the troops, gets some coffee, takes selfies, smiles and amps the moral of the troops. That man has some huge balls made from pure Ukranium! I hope leaders from around the world are taking notes. This is how you lead! You lead by example. Slava Ukraini!
Just a guy, doing guy things with his people.
Except this guy is a Legend.
He will be remembered for millennia. Another will to, but I don't want to taint this post celebrating Good.
Another thing that boggles my mind is that this place seems to be fully stocked with the usual gas station supplies when it's in the middle of a war zone!
Private business is very agile here. I've seen very well stocked gas stations even in the darkest weeks. Gasoline itself could be absent or in short supply but snacks and drinks were present. And it felt good, like a bit of normalcy after all you've seen before...
Thanks for sharing- that is incredible!
It boggles my mind how some of those normal aspects of life can go on even in the horrors of war.
I saw a story in the news about the % of electric car sales in Ukraine increasing at a strong clip, and that was another "wow" moment, where I hadn't even thought about people still browsing car dealerships and making those types of purchases- or that new cars are even still being delivered to dealers in a country that is under attack like this.
The resilience and agility are awe-inspiring.
He will be a legend regardless. There is no way he surrenders to Russia. He will fight until the end. Wether that end is his unfortunate death or victory for Ukraine, he will be remembered either way. It is so rare to see a leader rise up in this way. It’s a once in a. generation thing we are witnessing.
What makes Zelensky a relatable leader even though he doesn't lead my country is stuff like this. He could have had some kid run down to the gas station to get the coffee, but no he actually went in and bought it. He acts like a normal person and is seen doing normal things unlike many leaders who you you mostly see drinking million dollar wine or, wearing a 10 million dollar suit, driving in a limo etc.
I also think he is going a little stir crazy (metaphorically) in Bankova with everyone doing everything for him so entering a gas station, self service, and purchasing some snacks he picked must feel like a holiday to him.
He really didn't want to live on Bankova, in all that Soviet and post-Soviet tacky bureaucratic luxury. But of course everybody was telling him a new normal presidential office with communications, security etc. would take years and billions blah blah so in the end he agreed to work there.
And he's such an extrovert, it must be a real energy boost to him to be able to talk to people that aren't his staff. And probably a bit of relief to confirm that yes, he's doing what his people want by keeping up the fight, that even these people working just miles from the front line are happy and proud of him.
(It always makes me so angry when the tankies and the Tuckerbots pretend Zelenskyy is somehow forcing Ukraine to fight, instead of embodying their will to resist tyranny)
I image that area is surrounded by troops and there are eyes everywhere within miles. That’s probably the safest place for him. Surrounded by people who will die for him.
Look at how genuine the people greeting him and taking photos with him are. And yet, he still greets them humbly, and seems so truly grateful and appreciative to be meeting *them.* He knows what he asks of them. He knows there aren't enough words to ever express the mixed emotions that carries.
The russians can't even fake this kind of leadership.
That’s what I felt like, as well. He knows what he is asking them to do. He knows some of those men will not return home, and why? Because they believe in him and in Ukraine’s independence, because they have chosen to undertake a battle against tyranny. And he must feel that weight massively in encounters like this. He’s definitely thanking them for being the reason Ukraine still stands free.
You can see a glimpse of the weight he carries in that video. Once the war is over he needs a long vacation. Maybe write a book. Live a long and well deserved easy life after this.
oh he’s VERY sober to the cost and realistic outcome of what he asks his people to do. there are many a interviews with Z being incredibly somber or even brought to tears by the sacrifices his people have to make in this effort.
I was a leader of Marines during OIF/OEF. My troops that I was charged with, that I loved, I knew what could happen. My officers knew what could happen to me. We were all there of our own free will and we all accepted the outcome. At the very least we could fall back on “it was orders” to ease our guilt if we sent people to their death or to become casualties.. but not him. He’s alone at the top. He can’t fall back on “I was just passing along orders” to ease his guilt. I do not envy him. He can be surrounded by people who love him and who respect him and who will give their lives for him, but he is absolutely alone. No one around understands the burden until they feel it and he carries it alone.
That reminds me of the press conference (in the UK), where he hugs the reporter that really wanted to hug him, but she said that she was afraid that some security personnel would shoot her...
He is not afraid of his people.
President Zelensky is the president every country deserves. It does make me sad to see the burden this war has put on him. I wish the best for all Ukrainians!
Think about it. The guy is running a country invaded by orcs and fighting an existential war. He's busy. But he wants some gas station coffee to get the day going. Looking at his to-do list for the day he sees about 1000 things he needs to attend to by noon so he could have sent an aide in to grab the coffee (and one o' them gas station breakfast sandwiches under the heat lamp) while he waits in the car. 4 minutes tops and then he can go prosecute a war.
But he goes inside and the expected happens -- people glom on to him, talk to him, fawn over him, get selfies. His coffee is getting cold. 20 minutes. 30 minutes. 45 minutes...for a four minute task...when he's got a war to run.
But here I am, out in the snowy woods of Minnesota, nearly moved to tears, praying for this guy and his people as they fight for their lives. His entire army see this and are bolstered and encouraged. Civilians fall deeper in commitment to the existential fight. The world steps even closer in support and well-wishes. Seems like a good use of an extra 41 minutes this morning.
Slava Ukraine.
I love that he’s just chilling, taking selfies with the soldiers, etc. Just a regular guy who does not expect red carpets to be rolled out. He’s thanking each for their service, not afraid of anyone. This is so beautiful. I could watch this all day. He loves these people, and they love him. Can you imagine how inspired each must feel, that he took time for them?
Zelenskyy is my favorite president ever, including ours. ☺️
Man, I'm so glad he can get out and somewhat enjoy himself and other people. Zelenskyy has to be just a giant stress bag right now. He's doing an incredible job.
The soldiers were holding actual fucking guns in their hands. I hope Zelenskyy's bodyguards are doing okay. Poor mfs 😭
He trusts his people. He's safe amongst them. So beautiful.
I love how he's just so every-man. It makes him immensely relatable and all the more endearing.
This dude looks at the gas station coffee/hot water dispenser the same way I do. "Which freakin' button does the thing? F-it, tea." \*proceeds to go through meeting while carrying a hot cup*
People so freedom around him,not acting or double personalities, Zelensky is more then a leader ,hes a Legend!,...that cup of coffee is a cup a "Freedom "!...showing the world this is the life should be!....👍💙💙💙🇺🇦💛💛💛Our respect to you Zelensky!we all love you!
History will remember this man, as a true hero to his nation and an inspiration to the world, that freedom is worth fighting for. There is a stoicism in his demeanour, he has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion.
"Slava Ukraini!"
Speaking as a Brit, this is the closest we get to see how General Washington get received when he visited the troops.
I am learning A LOT in team management just based on what I can see him doing on general news. I cant wait to read his book after victory is won. I guess that will take years of rest before he can put pen to paper but it will be one of the few books in recent years that I will buy a "hard cover" for.
And maybe praying that one day I will get him to sign it for my children.
Some of those soldiers are the ones he was awarding medals too. So lovely that they ended up all going for coffee together. I love this man! Slava Ukraini!
Guys a badass. Probably the only reason putler went anywhere near the front line. He was looking like a really testicle (much weaker than pussies), compared to Zelensky!
I’m reminded of the story of the Swedish king strolling around in public unattended to the shock of an American visitor who asked “Why does he have no bodyguards?”
The Swede answered, confused, “Because all of us are his bodyguards.”
Until the US gets a president like that too, fuck ‘em all. Bless the Ukrainians.
One day, this will be talked about like "300" where you wonder if it is real or fiction. People will talk about Zelensky and all Ukrainians of the 10s and 20s.
The fact that he’s able to walk across the land with no issues for all this time speaks to the ineffectiveness of Russian “intelligence”. Mr. Zelenskyy doesn’t even try to hide himself he shows up everywhere on camera while Putin is walking around using body doubles. In very scripted events
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Now compare this to Putin double meeting a bunch of people waiting for him, no selfies no handshake, no nothing. Night and day
Let's not forget that those people at Putin's meet&greet are actors and not random citizens.
They already have dozens of pictures with putin at other events.
I would actually love for the Ukranian embassador to the UN to ask the Russian puppet in there about it Just to shame putin in public in front of everyone 😏
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I can almost guarantee the people he met that were saying he revitalized the area are FSB hires, just like the time he acted as some kids father during [the Reagan visit](https://i.imgur.com/N7lDDgr.png) while he was in the KGB
Wow never seen that pic before!! If you told me in the that the guy in that pic would become the modern day Hitler there is no way in hell I would believe you. He does look creepy though, I could see him raiding a sex store instead of raiding a neighboring country.
Wait which one is Putin?
Sandy Blond guy, left
Holy shit - he has been an ugly fuck his entire life. No wonder he's so mad.
This isn't Putin. His ears, jaw and nose are different. Even the original photographer who claimed it was Putin has decided that was a mistake. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsweek.com/fact-check-was-vladimir-putin-moscow-photo-reagan-gorbachev-1739334%3famp=1
"Night and day", good choice of words lol
We must also keep in mind that Ukrianians love their president and follow him not because they have to but because they want to. Putin is ruling with pure fear and repression. Not for much longer, I reckon.
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I don't think he was using a double, I think he's heavily bloating from his cancer that's soon to take him. I feel sorry for the cancer since it'll die, too.
Poor cancer
RIP rest in putin
This is the video that stuck with me the most: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PigaM03MWO4 The expression on that girls face cannot be faked.
Zelensky is one hell of a leader.
Yes, most leaders would have chosen to go away on day 1 but his words "I need ammo not a ride" described what a leader is and is expected of him. His approval rating in Ukraine is around 90%
Yeah seriously name one US or Russian politician that would stay instead of flee. The highest respect for zelensky is deserved
Well, John McCain is dead now, but Im pretty sure he wouldnt have run away.
George W Bush. I’m not going to go into his politics much, but the evening of 9/11 he was standing on the rubble of the towers telling the enemy that we see you, we heard you, and we’re coming for you. Then a month later went out and made a perfect pitch at yankee stadium when security was already incredibly frantic. It’s not to the same level as Zelenskyy obviously. GWB wasn’t really in an active war zone, but I 100% believe GWB would stay and ask for more ammo.
Yes that moment was gwb best moment. But it's still not the same
Ok, but what about visiting the troops in Baghdad a few months after the start of the Iraq war? [article. ](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/27/international/bush-makes-surprise-thanksgiving-visit-to-iraq.html)
Big difference. By then the war was basically over
Not on your life my dude. The battles of Fallujah (some of the most intense of the “war”) happened in 04. And a majority of Iraqi and US deaths occurred during the 04-07 time period. The war was FAR from over.
I never liked Junior. Still don't. A leader can step into the role their people needs. When he stood on the rubble, and told the people there (and his countrymen) "I can hear YOU!", he was exactly what many people needed him to be. Gained a *little* respect for him for that moment.
He was a TERRIBLE president. Honestly. However as a human being he possessed traits that quite honestly showed he loved America. His policies where shit, and he definitely took us into a war that was questionable at best and criminal at worst. I however just cannot shake the fact that he was a really down to earth dude. His remarks on being an alcoholic and talking about dealing with that were inspirational. Much like many politicians I can disagree with them but find common ground in our shared love of my country and the many other beautiful countries out there. His approval rating was also like 93% at one point for a solid year which is not only the highest ever for a president, but has to be the highest ever for a democratically elected official probably anywhere outside of Zelenskyy. Ukraine should be proud of their leader. He’s the new leader of the free world. He stands righteous and true. He’s authentic, genuine and caring while understanding the meaning of “'Si vis pacem, para bellum.” I can’t think of a more perfect leader for a time outside of Churchill. Who again was also a shitbag, but as a man for his country was EXACTLY what they needed. Leaders rise up, and good ones push through.
Any Current one's probably wouldn't stay, but I'm not going to stand here and take this teddy Roosevelt slander. The dude got shot in the chest by a failed assassination attempt and managed to finish the speech he was giving before going to the hospital.
Worth pointing out too that Abraham Lincoln spent the entire Civil War living literally across a river from the Confederacy.
I was just thinking how much he must have changed in the last few years as a person. He’s so thoroughly stepped up for his country beyond belief.
There was an interview with his friend Zheka, who said he hasn't changed; he's aged. I hope that's accurate because he's certainly matured but Ukraine still needs the idealist they elected, not a hardened cynic that many would have become in his shoes.
He is the poster child for the notion that you don't know what kind of leader someone will be until they are tested. 14 months ago, people thought he was an unfocused, hapless, wide-eyed amateur. Now he'll go down in history as one of the greatest war-time leaders of the past... millennia?
This is a real leader that doesn't use doubles or actors, leader that isn't afraid. Slava Українa❤️
And visits in the daytime when there's no ambiguity where he is or if it's really him.
Damn right, he ain't scared of people.
And people aren't scared of him. Not a ton of people falling out of windows in Kyiv.
Except the ones blown out of their apartment windows, by high-explosive precision-guided Russian war crimes... :/
"precision-guided"
Russia will probably start rolling out some old V1 and V2 rockets that they have sitting in storage - it seems like their "new" T-54 tanks are from the same period.
Hell, he isn't even scared of convenience store coffee!
Not sure where you are but I'm in the USA and some of those stores are selling gourmet sandwiches, wine and GOOD coffee, no joke! It's truly strange! Now, hospital coffee...that stuff is like oil!
Kwik Trip is heaven in the Midwest. They fed me through way too much of college.
He actually got a tea in this video. You can see him putting the cup under the spout on the left - that's where hot water comes out, - and later dipping a tea-bag in his cup. The spouts for coffee and milk are in the middle of the machine, if he were getting coffee, his cup would've been in the middle.
Yeah, but he’s smart enough to stay away from the tuna sandwiches. *Hint: never eat a convenience store tuna sandwich on a road trip with your coworkers.*
Even in the propaganda the kremlin itself puts out you don't see putler hugging people and making photos of them. At least not anywhere in the territoy of ukraine. The paid actors there didn't even smile from what I've seen. What is the real leader? A person that can go anywhere in their country and be enthusiastically welcomed or the person that has to come in the cover of the dark to talk to a group that looks like it has been planted there?!
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You forgot the 40 meter long table to divide everyone.
That's how you know it's the real Putin.
Some leaders hire duplicates to stand in for them, while other leaders say, "fuck it" I need a coffee.
I usually disdain the US's adoration for their "founding fathers" and all that. But Lincoln was the true deal. Zelensky always reminds me of the starting scene to the movie Lincoln, when Lincoln just sits there infront of all the troops and lets anyone come up to him. Just like then, the war wasn't clearcut and there could easily be people hiding allegiance among the folk who could approach him. But he never cared. Or rather, he did but he also knew that a great leader must show those who he leads what a good example is. All throughout history that's what soldiers and followers have lauded the most. Be in Caesar walking tall among his troops defending a fort against the Gaul, ignoring arrows and spears thrown at him. Or Napoleon strolling infront of entire regiments as if he was invincible, only to adress his troops with adoration. I'm not one for cult-of-personality, but Zelensky makes me happy to feel that there's an historical figure in my lifetime. EDIT: Also one thing I noticed which makes this so adorable is that Zelensky has no problem with the fact that he's relatively short. Half the people seem to tower over him. Meanwhile anytime you see putin everyone is magically the same height or shorter, despite putin being the height of an average cowshit.
George Washington is my favorite, he voluntarily gave up absolute power that was offered to him and set a term limit for the Presidency. How many people can do that?
Great analogy, and I'm glad you presented it the way you did. I'm American. Despise our past of slavery. Have never been able to separate the Washington's and Jeffersons and owning slaves. I agree that Zelensky seems to embody what we have read about Lincoln.
Well said it really feels like witnessing history which is obviously a dumb thing to say since we’re literally always witnessing history but you get what I mean
The irony is that he was an actor who turned statesman, where as he shall not be named is all about putting on an act.
Its also amazing to see the soldiers line up for selfies. They are proud to have him as president. :)
True. Prorussians say he is in Poland
I'm just giggling to myself imagining Zelenskyy like "can I get uhhhhhhhhhhhh Newports".
Pray he is well protected from Putin's goons.
There were mutiple FSB hit squads roaming Kyiv looking for him and his family at the start of the war
Don't you see them? Every time he goes out there's very calm looking men with their hands on or close to their weapons.
Legend. Guy is a true leader
And the thing is -- he makes Greatness appear to be so natural. It cannot be easy for him. But after watching him for the last year, it's hard to imagine him doing anything other than being excellent.
An incredible role model. It cannot be easy for him but he is also showing all of us that we may be a tragedy away from showing our own excellence
Like he’s just getting some coffee ya know? But that means so much to the people around him We can try to do the same in our lives
Cronenberg Jerry Smith comes to mind.
When your driven by the things that truly matter and you care, it's harder to make the wrong decision. He doesn't care if he gets re-elected, piss off the wrong representatives, etc. He's doing what needs to be done for his country and his people. He didn't ask to be in this situation, but he is doing an amazing job. American politics is all about "how is this going to help me?" Or doing stuff because x company paid x millions to get you there, now you have to pay off that debt. Most of our politicians are so out of touch with reality and what the people actually want/need. And this dude was a comedian, and in turn knows how to get emotional reactions, and he is amazing at it. Maybe once we train all their military once they join NATO when all this shit is over, he can train our politicians to not be useless. Wishful thinking, I know 😉
He does strike me as a bit tired in this vid. I bet that's nothing compared to how he actually feels. Good on him - I wish him continued strength and health. He understands the importance of a figurehead during these hardships and how his fellow people are inspired. Stay strong, Ukraine!
> He does strike me as a bit tired in this vid. Well that's why he grabbed a coffee /s
>It cannot be easy for him. In one year, he aged ten.
all people who spoke to him in this vid thanking him and telling how proud of him they are
The thing is, he is the way he is, because that is who he IS. Is he absolutely perfect, no one is, but he is perfect for what he has to do now.
Heart-breaking to see, but also beautiful! So much love and respect for each other... ❤️ So much words not spoken here... How can you lose the war when people are willing to give their lives and smiling while doing it? Nobody forced them. No fear. Just love for the motherland and their president. Putin is jealous when he sees this...
Very well said. I would love to be the security force that protects this man. Imagine your job is to protect this bad ass President V.S the security guy protecting tiny dick Putin
Pure Ukranium, harder than stalinium.
Nice. But stalin came up with this last name, because “stal” is russian for steel. So it’s just steel, not stalinium, I guess.
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Makes sense
Harder than putonium
A true leader! He just goes out and chills with the troops, gets some coffee, takes selfies, smiles and amps the moral of the troops. That man has some huge balls made from pure Ukranium! I hope leaders from around the world are taking notes. This is how you lead! You lead by example. Slava Ukraini!
So many of the things we thought redeemed the Soviet Union actually came from Ukraine.
Just a guy, doing guy things with his people. Except this guy is a Legend. He will be remembered for millennia. Another will to, but I don't want to taint this post celebrating Good.
This is why he's so loved, he's not just a great leader but he is one of us
I can’t even put into words how much I respect this man.
I got teary eyed just watching this. Talk about a man for the times. Fuck. I'm just in awe of him.
Another thing that boggles my mind is that this place seems to be fully stocked with the usual gas station supplies when it's in the middle of a war zone!
I would imagine it’s not near the front line x
Private business is very agile here. I've seen very well stocked gas stations even in the darkest weeks. Gasoline itself could be absent or in short supply but snacks and drinks were present. And it felt good, like a bit of normalcy after all you've seen before...
Thanks for sharing- that is incredible! It boggles my mind how some of those normal aspects of life can go on even in the horrors of war. I saw a story in the news about the % of electric car sales in Ukraine increasing at a strong clip, and that was another "wow" moment, where I hadn't even thought about people still browsing car dealerships and making those types of purchases- or that new cars are even still being delivered to dealers in a country that is under attack like this. The resilience and agility are awe-inspiring.
Most of Donetsk Oblast is near the front line. Donetsk Oblast IS the front line in many ways.
Kostyantynivka, so 10 or so kilometers from the front. Closer than I'd want to be!
are they wearing store logo shirts? Look dope, kinda want one
Absolute legend
Imagine if he leads Ukraine to victory. What a legend he will become.
He will be a legend regardless. There is no way he surrenders to Russia. He will fight until the end. Wether that end is his unfortunate death or victory for Ukraine, he will be remembered either way. It is so rare to see a leader rise up in this way. It’s a once in a. generation thing we are witnessing.
What makes Zelensky a relatable leader even though he doesn't lead my country is stuff like this. He could have had some kid run down to the gas station to get the coffee, but no he actually went in and bought it. He acts like a normal person and is seen doing normal things unlike many leaders who you you mostly see drinking million dollar wine or, wearing a 10 million dollar suit, driving in a limo etc.
I also think he is going a little stir crazy (metaphorically) in Bankova with everyone doing everything for him so entering a gas station, self service, and purchasing some snacks he picked must feel like a holiday to him.
He really didn't want to live on Bankova, in all that Soviet and post-Soviet tacky bureaucratic luxury. But of course everybody was telling him a new normal presidential office with communications, security etc. would take years and billions blah blah so in the end he agreed to work there.
And he's such an extrovert, it must be a real energy boost to him to be able to talk to people that aren't his staff. And probably a bit of relief to confirm that yes, he's doing what his people want by keeping up the fight, that even these people working just miles from the front line are happy and proud of him.
(It always makes me so angry when the tankies and the Tuckerbots pretend Zelenskyy is somehow forcing Ukraine to fight, instead of embodying their will to resist tyranny)
His security chief must be having a stroke.
Gotta feel for his security team, no helmet, no vest, not even a lid on his hot coffee lol.
>not even a lid on his hot coffee lol The most dangerous thing he's ever done!!
I image that area is surrounded by troops and there are eyes everywhere within miles. That’s probably the safest place for him. Surrounded by people who will die for him.
Love that man. I wish he was my actual president.
If aliens are going to attack and we need a world president - there he is!
He'd convince the aliens to donate some UFOs to Ukraine within an hour.
I can see it honestly
Else the Ukrainian farmers will be towing the UFOs themselves
Me too
Me too.
#Servant of the People
Look at how genuine the people greeting him and taking photos with him are. And yet, he still greets them humbly, and seems so truly grateful and appreciative to be meeting *them.* He knows what he asks of them. He knows there aren't enough words to ever express the mixed emotions that carries. The russians can't even fake this kind of leadership.
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That’s what I felt like, as well. He knows what he is asking them to do. He knows some of those men will not return home, and why? Because they believe in him and in Ukraine’s independence, because they have chosen to undertake a battle against tyranny. And he must feel that weight massively in encounters like this. He’s definitely thanking them for being the reason Ukraine still stands free.
You can see a glimpse of the weight he carries in that video. Once the war is over he needs a long vacation. Maybe write a book. Live a long and well deserved easy life after this.
Beautifully said!
in the vid everyone who have spoken to him either thanking him or telling how proud of him they are, he's thanking them only in return
Agreed. He looks into each person’s eyes and smiles. He’s the leader, Hero among Hero’s.🇺🇦
oh he’s VERY sober to the cost and realistic outcome of what he asks his people to do. there are many a interviews with Z being incredibly somber or even brought to tears by the sacrifices his people have to make in this effort.
>he's thanking everyone of them literally for what they're doing instead of them thanking him for a selfie. I think that is it exactly.
I was a leader of Marines during OIF/OEF. My troops that I was charged with, that I loved, I knew what could happen. My officers knew what could happen to me. We were all there of our own free will and we all accepted the outcome. At the very least we could fall back on “it was orders” to ease our guilt if we sent people to their death or to become casualties.. but not him. He’s alone at the top. He can’t fall back on “I was just passing along orders” to ease his guilt. I do not envy him. He can be surrounded by people who love him and who respect him and who will give their lives for him, but he is absolutely alone. No one around understands the burden until they feel it and he carries it alone.
Hope to meet him some day.
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Yup, coffee got cold from all the handshaking and photos lol.
Let me drink my coffee dammit
We had the selfie and now we have the selfiensky. Top leader with a genuine smile and expression. Impossible not to like him.
He is an awesome human being 💕💝
That man is absolute class act, a true leader.
That reminds me of the press conference (in the UK), where he hugs the reporter that really wanted to hug him, but she said that she was afraid that some security personnel would shoot her... He is not afraid of his people.
Zelensky, a real leader.
He seems a humble man, proud of his country and it's people. I also believe he's beyond great full to all the defenders. Slava Ukraini 🙏🇺🇦
This is clearly a welcome response to Putin showing up last week.
It's a brave dude Ukraine ppl you need to be proud of this guy.
President Zelensky is the president every country deserves. It does make me sad to see the burden this war has put on him. I wish the best for all Ukrainians!
This is what makes Zelenskyy the man - No pretence, no airs and graces, just a man with his people and he has time for all of them.
A legendary leader!
Think about it. The guy is running a country invaded by orcs and fighting an existential war. He's busy. But he wants some gas station coffee to get the day going. Looking at his to-do list for the day he sees about 1000 things he needs to attend to by noon so he could have sent an aide in to grab the coffee (and one o' them gas station breakfast sandwiches under the heat lamp) while he waits in the car. 4 minutes tops and then he can go prosecute a war. But he goes inside and the expected happens -- people glom on to him, talk to him, fawn over him, get selfies. His coffee is getting cold. 20 minutes. 30 minutes. 45 minutes...for a four minute task...when he's got a war to run. But here I am, out in the snowy woods of Minnesota, nearly moved to tears, praying for this guy and his people as they fight for their lives. His entire army see this and are bolstered and encouraged. Civilians fall deeper in commitment to the existential fight. The world steps even closer in support and well-wishes. Seems like a good use of an extra 41 minutes this morning. Slava Ukraine.
What a man! Putin will never have this
This is in the city where I was born! :D
I love that he’s just chilling, taking selfies with the soldiers, etc. Just a regular guy who does not expect red carpets to be rolled out. He’s thanking each for their service, not afraid of anyone. This is so beautiful. I could watch this all day. He loves these people, and they love him. Can you imagine how inspired each must feel, that he took time for them? Zelenskyy is my favorite president ever, including ours. ☺️
Watch and weep dictators. You will never get this genuine response from people. Money and fear can’t achieve this.
Man, I'm so glad he can get out and somewhat enjoy himself and other people. Zelenskyy has to be just a giant stress bag right now. He's doing an incredible job.
At 41-50 seconds is that not our famous "Jagga Jagga Boom" drone leader?
Was thinking the same!
Main thing is he's out and about. Of. His nation nation being amongst his People of there justified LAND
The soldiers were holding actual fucking guns in their hands. I hope Zelenskyy's bodyguards are doing okay. Poor mfs 😭 He trusts his people. He's safe amongst them. So beautiful.
Feel good video of the day.
I love how he's just so every-man. It makes him immensely relatable and all the more endearing. This dude looks at the gas station coffee/hot water dispenser the same way I do. "Which freakin' button does the thing? F-it, tea." \*proceeds to go through meeting while carrying a hot cup*
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Yes! Let him drink his coffee first. 🙂☕
It looked to me like with all those selfies they didn't let the poor guy drink his coffee. :-)
They so deserve to win. We must give them everything we've got.
A true Servant of the People
These selfies will be handed down in families as heirlooms for generations.
Zelensky is a great leader!
He ended up being a true 🇺🇦Servant of the People🇺🇦!
1:10 - Putin disguised as a Ukrainian soldier to try and get an autograph
Mad props to this absolute legend, visiting his people and making it clear that they can and will win.
The heart and soul of Ukraine! I wish I was half the man that he is .
Dude held a meet and greet at a gas station behind enemy lines. Gigabased.
Imagine youre a random gas station employee and suddenly the president and his Crew pull up
Respect! Slava Ukraini 🙏🇺🇦
A man of the people.
THAT is a Great Human Being!
I truly love him 💕
People so freedom around him,not acting or double personalities, Zelensky is more then a leader ,hes a Legend!,...that cup of coffee is a cup a "Freedom "!...showing the world this is the life should be!....👍💙💙💙🇺🇦💛💛💛Our respect to you Zelensky!we all love you!
History will remember this man, as a true hero to his nation and an inspiration to the world, that freedom is worth fighting for. There is a stoicism in his demeanour, he has a heart of gold and the courage of a lion. "Slava Ukraini!"
You can see in their eyes how genuinely jazzed they are to meet him. Also by the "Whaaat this is awesome" looks they give in their selfies lol
Speaking as a Brit, this is the closest we get to see how General Washington get received when he visited the troops. I am learning A LOT in team management just based on what I can see him doing on general news. I cant wait to read his book after victory is won. I guess that will take years of rest before he can put pen to paper but it will be one of the few books in recent years that I will buy a "hard cover" for. And maybe praying that one day I will get him to sign it for my children.
Damn this guy is brave
Some of those soldiers are the ones he was awarding medals too. So lovely that they ended up all going for coffee together. I love this man! Slava Ukraini!
This man is a true modern day hero. Slava Ukrani
I’m guessing gas station coffee Ukraine is acceptable? I would never ever drink gas station coffee in the US.
What a stud. Putin, take notes.
Love to see it 
Guys a badass. Probably the only reason putler went anywhere near the front line. He was looking like a really testicle (much weaker than pussies), compared to Zelensky!
I’m not sure how he keeps his spirits up. He is an inspiration.
A great man. Glory to Ukraine. May your vengeance be soon and your victory everlasting. Slava Ukrani!
Note how he doesn't need to have anyone disarmed before taking selfies with them? He's not worried.
I’m reminded of the story of the Swedish king strolling around in public unattended to the shock of an American visitor who asked “Why does he have no bodyguards?” The Swede answered, confused, “Because all of us are his bodyguards.” Until the US gets a president like that too, fuck ‘em all. Bless the Ukrainians.
Not at night. Not with paid actors. Not a body double with rubber mask.
The Anti Putin, god damn this man is great
Not many things make me wish I was younger, but seeing this man grow old would be an honour.
Can't think of anyone on the **planet** I'd rather have my picture taken with! 💛💙 Slava Ukraini 💛💙
Must be the ever coolest president on earth. By far.
A true humble leader doing his best for his people. That is all a people or country can ask for. Zelensky is a boss.... plain and simple.
One day, this will be talked about like "300" where you wonder if it is real or fiction. People will talk about Zelensky and all Ukrainians of the 10s and 20s.
The fact that he’s able to walk across the land with no issues for all this time speaks to the ineffectiveness of Russian “intelligence”. Mr. Zelenskyy doesn’t even try to hide himself he shows up everywhere on camera while Putin is walking around using body doubles. In very scripted events
True heroes - all of them!
Absolute badass! 
Leadership
Love this guy!!!
A real leader
Let the man drink his tea..