

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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Zelenskyy's Early Life
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy's background wasn't particularly remarkable before entering comedy.
- He grew up in Krivedich, a small town, and later found success producing TV shows and films.
Servant of the People
- Zelenskyy's TV show, Servant of the People, significantly boosted his political career.
- He played a high school teacher unexpectedly becoming president, resonating with audiences.
Campaign Promises
- Zelenskyy's campaign centered on ending the war and fighting corruption, appealing to Ukrainians.
- This resonated with voters disillusioned by the previous, allegedly corrupt, administration.