Today, Explained

Volodymyr vs. Vladimir

Mar 4, 2022

Oleksiy Sorokin, political editor at the Kyiv Independent, shares his insights on how Volodymyr Zelenskyy transformed from a comedian into a resolute wartime leader amid Russia's invasion. Emily VanDerWerff, cultural critic at Vox, discusses the impact of Zelenskyy's unique communication style on national morale and global perception. They explore the stark contrasts in media strategies between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing how effective storytelling has galvanized support for Ukraine while undermining Russian propaganda.

24:39

Episode guests

Emily VanDerWerff

Oleksiy Sorokin

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

From Comedian to Commander: Zelensky's Journey

6min

Zelensky's Transformation: From Comedian to Wartime Leader

5min

From Performer to President: The Zelensky Phenomenon

9min

The Power of Propaganda in Conflict

4min

Volodymyr Zelenskyy went from a middling peacetime president to a heroic wartime president. Kyiv Independent’s Oleksiy Sorokin explains from an undisclosed location in western Ukraine. Vox’s Emily VanDerWerff also explains, but from her home in Los Angeles.

This episode was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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