01 | Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "Exactly the right man"

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy has captured the world’s attention and admiration like few leaders can.  When Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, the comic actor turned wartime leader became the face of Ukraine’s resistance. He refused offers of evacuation, famously telling Joe Biden he needed ammunition, not a ride.

As the Russian bombs rained down, Zelenskyy went out into the streets of Kyiv using social media to talk directly to his people and the world. 

Rarely has the world seen a leader recording selfies from a city under attack. But his prolific online and social media messaging has helped galvanise widespread support for Ukraine. Now the man who played a president on TV, is in the role of his life.

We find out who the man behind the screen and the podium really is from those who know Zelenskyy best.  

Guests:

• Olga Boichak, Lecturer in digital cultures and the director of the Computational Social Science Lab at the University of Sydney 
• David Dodson, Film director and editor who worked with Zelensky for 14 years
• Oleh Rybachuk, Former Deputy PM of Ukraine and founder of the Centre of United Actions