Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Background
AI-generatedVolodymyr Zelenskyy is the President of Ukraine, serving since 2019, who has led the country's response to Russia's full-scale invasion since 2022.
Role
Zelenskyy is the head of state of Ukraine, serving as commander-in-chief of its armed forces and the country's principal representative in diplomatic and wartime negotiations. He is widely known internationally for leading Ukraine's resistance to Russia's invasion and for his continued appeals to Western allies for military and financial support.
Background
Before entering politics, Zelenskyy was an actor and comedian, gaining national fame for playing a fictional president on Ukrainian television. He was elected President of Ukraine in 2019 with a large majority, running as a political outsider, and his term has since been extended past its original expiration under Ukraine's wartime martial law provisions. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, he has become a central figure in coordinating Ukraine's military and diplomatic strategy and in rallying international support.
Why they are in the news
Zelenskyy continues to appear in coverage of the ongoing war with Russia, including reports of missile and drone strikes on both Ukrainian and Russian territory and continued casualties on both sides. He has also been engaged in diplomatic contacts with the United States, including discussions with President Trump over continued military support such as Patriot air defense systems, alongside separate parallel contacts between Trump and Russian President Putin.
Background context generated by AI from public knowledge and recent Apprise coverage. Facts may lag current events — see the stories below for the latest.
In the news
▶ 54sLatest Russian and Ukrainian attacks kill a total of 15 people, officials say
Ukrainian forces attacked holiday camps in the partly Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, killing 12 people, including four children
▶ 43sSen. Lindsey Graham likely died after aorta tear, medical examiner says
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has died after a brief illness
▶ 55sThe Latest: US says it's carrying out more strikes after Iran’s attacks in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. has carried out another round of strikes on Iran hours after President Donald Trump said that recent Iranian attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the ceasefire
▶ 53sTrump says US will give Ukraine license to produce Patriot defense systems
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced at a NATO summit in Turkey that the U.S. will allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems
▶ 46sRussia's missile and drone attacks on Ukraine kill at least 22
Russia has launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least 22 people
▶ 51s1 killed in attack on Crimea as Putin and Zelenskyy hold separate Trump calls
A Ukrainian attack on Russian-occupied Crimea has killed one person, according to Moscow-installed officials
▶ 56sUkrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
Ukrainian drones have struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg as Kyiv ramps up bombardment of Russia’s oil infrastructure