Intelligence Squared The Showman: How Volodymyr Zelensky Shines on the World Stage
Feb 2, 2024
Simon Shuster, a senior correspondent for Time with extensive experience in Ukraine, delves into the transformative journey of Volodymyr Zelensky from entertainer to resilient wartime leader. He shares gripping anecdotes of Zelensky's defiant decision to remain in Ukraine during the invasion and how his leadership style evolved amidst crisis. Carl Miller, co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, adds insights on the human side of leadership in wartime, exploring the pressures on Zelensky to secure global support and the dynamics within Ukraine's military command.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Unprepared for Invasion
- On the invasion day, Zelensky's team was unprepared for a direct attack on Kyiv and the presidential compound.
- Soldiers barricaded doors with furniture due to a lack of proper materials, highlighting the unexpected nature of the assault.
Zelensky's Courageous Decision
- Zelensky decided to stay in Kyiv despite allies urging him to form a government-in-exile.
- This courageous decision surprised many, as the direct attack on Kyiv was unexpected.
Naive and Optimistic
- Simon Shuster's first impression of Zelensky during the 2019 campaign was that he was naive and optimistic.
- Zelensky seemed unprepared for the challenges of the presidency, particularly the ongoing war in Donbas.
