Volodymyr Zelenskyy: From Comedian to President
By Scott Burton Official for TrumpTrain.net (12 min read)
KYIV — Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, born in 1978 in the industrial city of Kryvyi Rih, has served as president of Ukraine since May 20, 2019, leading the country through a full-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022. Before entering politics, he spent two decades building a career as a comedian, actor, producer, and entertainment executive.
Childhood and Early Years
Zelenskyy was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, an industrial city in central Ukraine then part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. His father, Oleksandr Zelenskyy, was a professor of cybernetics and computing hardware who headed the department at Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics. His mother, Rymma Zelenska, worked as an engineer. The family lived in a typical Soviet apartment block. Zelenskyy attended School No. 95 in Kryvyi Rih, where he studied in Russian-language classes. He spent part of his childhood in Mongolia when his father worked on a mining project in Erdenet, attending a local school for four years before the family returned to Ukraine. As a teenager, Zelenskyy trained in amateur boxing and wrestling and participated in school theater productions.
Education
Zelenskyy graduated from secondary school in 1995 and enrolled at Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics, a branch of Kyiv National Economic University. He studied law and earned a degree in 2000. He did not practice law professionally but used the qualification for business registration in entertainment. During university, Zelenskyy performed comedy and joined a local KVN team, a Soviet-era comedy competition format. His team, known as Zaporizhzhia-Kryvyi Rih-Transit, advanced through regional competitions.
Early Career in Comedy
After graduation, Zelenskyy worked full-time in comedy and became a member of Kvartal 95, a comedy troupe founded in 1997. The group competed in KVN’s major league from 1998 to 2003 and toured former Soviet states. In 2003, Kvartal 95 began producing its own television content, with Zelenskyy serving as artistic director, writer, and performer. The troupe launched concert tours and television specials. In 2005, Kvartal 95 partnered with Ukrainian channel 1+1, and Zelenskyy produced and starred in comedy shows, including “Evening Quarter,” a sketch program that aired regularly.
Rise in Television and Film
Kvartal 95 produced television content, and Zelenskyy starred in feature films, including “Love in the Big City” in 2009, “Love in the Big City 2” in 2010, and “8 First Dates” in 2012. The films aired in Ukraine and Russia. In 2015, Kvartal 95 premiered “Servant of the People,” a political satire series in which Zelenskyy played a teacher who becomes president after a rant against corruption. The show ran for three seasons through 2019 on 1+1. Zelenskyy voiced characters in Ukrainian dubs of films. His production company, Studio Kvartal 95, operated as an entertainment business in Ukraine.
Entry into Politics
On December 31, 2018, Zelenskyy announced his candidacy for president during a New Year’s Eve program on 1+1. He registered the Servant of the People party, named after his television series. His campaign focused on anti-corruption measures, direct democracy, and ending the war in Donbas. He presented himself as an outsider to established politicians. Zelenskyy placed first in the election on March 31, 2019, with 30 percent of the vote and defeated incumbent Petro Poroshenko in the runoff on April 21, receiving 73 percent.
Inauguration and Early Presidency
Zelenskyy was inaugurated on May 20, 2019. He dissolved parliament and called snap elections. Servant of the People won a majority in July 2019 parliamentary elections. Early actions included anti-corruption legislation, land market reform, and negotiations in Donbas. He participated in Normandy Format talks with Russia, France, and Germany. The 2019 Trump-Zelenskyy phone call became public during U.S. impeachment proceedings.
Relations with the United States
Zelenskyy’s interactions with the United States began early in his presidency. A July 25, 2019, phone call with President Donald Trump was released during U.S. impeachment proceedings. Trump asked Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter’s activities in Ukraine. Zelenskyy responded that the next prosecutor general would look into the situation. U.S. military aid to Ukraine was temporarily withheld during that period. Aid was released in September 2019. U.S. support for Ukraine increased after the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, with billions in military and financial assistance provided during Zelenskyy’s term.
Relations with NATO
Zelenskyy has sought closer ties with NATO since taking office. Ukraine applied for a NATO Membership Action Plan in his early years. After the 2022 invasion, Zelenskyy applied for fast-track NATO membership. NATO leaders have stated Ukraine’s future is in the alliance but have not set a timeline for accession. Zelenskyy has attended NATO summits and received commitments for security assistance from member states.
Relations with Russia
Zelenskyy’s relations with Russia have been defined by the ongoing conflict. He campaigned on ending the war in Donbas through negotiations. Early efforts included prisoner exchanges and Normandy Format meetings. Russia launched the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy has maintained that negotiations require Russian withdrawal from occupied territories. Peace talks mediated by third parties have occurred intermittently, with positions remaining apart on key issues.
Full-Scale Invasion and Wartime Leadership
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Zelenskyy remained in Kyiv and delivered video addresses to the nation. He spoke to foreign parliaments and sought international support. Western countries provided military and financial aid. Zelenskyy imposed martial law and mobilized reserves.
Family and Personal Life
Zelenskyy married Olena Kiyashko in 2003. They met as students in Kryvyi Rih. She studied architecture and worked in scriptwriting for Kvartal 95. The couple has two children: daughter Oleksandra, born in 2004, and son Kyrylo, born in 2013. The family lived in Kyiv before the invasion. Olena Zelenska has undertaken humanitarian activities as first lady.
Current Role and Challenges
Zelenskyy directs Ukraine’s defense and diplomatic efforts in 2026. He negotiates security arrangements and reconstruction aid. He seeks NATO membership and EU integration for Ukraine.
