War has changed Zelensky - but now is the time for him to transform again

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has undergone a significant transformation since the onset of the war with Russia. Initially known as a comedian, Zelensky has evolved into a wartime leader who is fiercely advocating for his nation. His ability to garner international support has been likened to that of a skilled salesman, a comparison famously made by former U. S. President Donald Trump, who referred to him as 'the best salesman in history. ' This characterization highlights Zelensky's crucial role in keeping Ukraine in the global spotlight and persuading allies to provide essential aid. His pivotal decision to remain in Kyiv as Russian forces advanced in 2022 marked a turning point for Ukraine, allowing the country to mount a robust defense that continues to this day. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to observe Zelensky in person numerous times, and it is evident that he now presents a more authoritative and battle-hardened figure, shaped in part by his increasing isolation on the international stage. However, with the unpredictability of Trump's potential return to power, Zelensky may find himself needing to adapt once more. The political landscape has shifted, and the narrative is no longer simply one of oppressor versus oppressed. Instead, Zelensky faces the dual challenge of advocating for peace while simultaneously safeguarding Ukraine's interests. The question arises: can a leader who has wielded significant authority both domestically and internationally successfully navigate a second transformation, particularly in the realm of diplomacy with Trump? Or will he choose to maintain a firm stance in defense of Ukraine's sovereignty? Today, a coalition of nations committed to supporting Ukraine will convene at NATO headquarters, notably without the presence of the United States. Prior to Trump's potential second term, Zelensky had effectively lobbied for Western support, making compelling appeals for air defenses, tanks, and fighter jets. Initially, some nations, including Germany, hesitated due to concerns about escalating the conflict, but ultimately yielded to his requests. Zelensky's approach was characterized by a rigid and determined message, which proved successful in securing vital assistance. Ed Arnold, a defense and security expert from the Royal United Services Institute, remarked, 'Zelensky was very clever and calculated in the early days of the war. ' His decision to attend the Munich Security Conference just weeks before the invasion, despite warnings about potential security risks, was a strategic move that helped personalize Ukraine's plight in the minds of attendees. Serhiy Leshchenko, an advisor to Zelensky's office, emphasized the importance of visibility, stating, 'If public opinion is on Ukraine's side, there is a better chance to get help from the international community. ' Zelensky's daily video addresses, initiated at the start of the invasion, have been a unique and open way to communicate with the world. His leadership during the battle of Kyiv solidified his status as a symbol of Ukraine's resilience and bolstered his case for continued military support from Western allies. In 2022, Zelensky demonstrated the impact of international assistance when Ukrainian forces liberated significant territories, including the city of Kherson. His ability to connect with European allies has been noteworthy, as he has navigated changes in leadership across the continent while maintaining strong ties. However, as the war has dragged on, Zelensky's messaging has faced challenges. Following Ukraine's unsuccessful counter-offensive in the summer of 2023, skepticism about continued support for Kyiv began to emerge among some influential U. S. Republicans. Maria Zolkina, head of regional security and conflict studies at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation in Kyiv, believes that Zelensky's approach may have contributed to this shift. 'He and his close circle relied on the logic that they must always be demanding when speaking with their partners,' she explained. 'That worked really well during 2022, but with the U. S. and others, this kind of messaging stopped working in 2023. ' As the political landscape evolves, Zelensky must adapt his diplomatic strategies to ensure continued support for Ukraine. On September 27, 2024, a pivotal moment occurred in New York when Zelensky met with Trump at Trump Tower. Tensions had escalated prior to this meeting, with Zelensky publicly questioning Trump's ability to end the war. The meeting itself was marked by an awkward atmosphere, and their body language suggested a lack of chemistry. The two leaders would not meet again until five months later in the Oval Office, where their encounter became a diplomatic disaster for Ukraine. Despite the challenges, some officials maintain that the Oval Office meeting was not a catastrophe. Ihor Brusylo, deputy head of the Presidential Office, stated, 'Nobody took it as the end of something. ' The complexities of Zelensky's relationship with Trump reflect the broader challenges he faces as he navigates the intricate dynamics of international diplomacy. As the war continues, Zelensky must remain vigilant and adaptable, ensuring that Ukraine's interests are prioritized while also seeking avenues for peace.