Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, comedian, and the sixth president of Ukraine. Zelenskyy was born on May 25, 1978, to Jewish parents in Kryvyi Rih, a Russian-speaking region in south-eastern Ukraine. Before his acting career, he earned a law degree from Kyiv National Economic University. Later, as a comedian, he began his acting career. In 1998, he founded his production company, Kvartal 95, which produces films, cartoons, and TV shows. From 2015 to 2019, Zelenskyy played the role of Ukraine’s president in the TV series Servant of the People. In March 2018, employees of Kvartal 95 established a political party with the same name as the show, Servant of the People.
Zelenskyy announced his candidacy for the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election on December 31, 2018. He won the election with 73.2 per cent of the vote, defeating the incumbent president, Petro Poroshenko. As a populist figure, he positioned himself as an anti-establishment, anti-corruption candidate.
As president, Zelenskyy focused on e-governance and fostering unity between Ukrainian-speaking and Russian-speaking communities. He actively used social media, particularly Instagram, to connect with citizens. He also abolished legal immunity for members of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament.
During his presidential campaign, Zelenskyy promised to end Ukraine’s long-standing conflict with Russia. However, relations between Ukraine and Russia deteriorated significantly starting in early 2022. Initially, Zelenskyy advocated for peace and sought assistance from Western countries, especially NATO. Later, he mobilised armed forces along the border in response to escalating tensions.
In September 2003, Zelenskyy married Olena Kiyashko, his schoolmate. The couple has two children – a daughter, Oleksandra, and a son, Kyrylo.
Zelenskyy’s first language is Russian, but he is also fluent in Ukrainian and English. In 2018, his net worth was approximately 37 million hryvnias (around USD 1.5 million).
United States President Donald Trump has signed a new Russia sanctions bill into law, granting the administration authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas within 30 days. The legislation covers major importers such as India and China, as well as countries aiding sanctions evasion. While the law grants significant executive discretion regarding implementation, the White House must notify Congress prior to removing any tariffs. The move comes ahead of high-level diplomatic engagements, including planned talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aiming to exert pressure regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. For India, a leading purchaser of Russian crude, the law introduces new variables amid ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, where officials indicate substantial progress on an agreement ahead of scheduled ministerial discussions.
Ukraine launched targeted overnight strikes inside Russia, hitting the Yaroslavl oil refinery and a military airfield in Rostov.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar travelled to Kyiv and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Addressing the media, the External Affairs Minister defended India's procurement of resources, stating that the challenges of providing energy for 1.4 billion people must be understood amidst a difficult global energy situation. He stated that the conflict will not be resolved by purchasing or withholding oil, minerals, metals, or fertilisers, but through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. Reaffirming India's stance that this is not an era of war and solutions do not emerge from the battlefield, he echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message that endless war must give way to the end of war. He also noted that India remains ready to assist if required. India Today journalists highlighted how Indian national interests remain paramount, while also discussing escalating tensions in Eurasian and West Asian conflict theatres, including risks faced by Indian seafarers in the Caspian Sea.
Former American professional boxer Terence Crawford met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Tuesday. During the meeting at the presidential office, the undefeated former world champion presented President Zelenskyy with an American pit bull terrier puppy named Freya as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine.
The latest episode of Statecraft covers the ongoing legal battle over the Bharat Hindu Samaj Temple in Peterborough, UK. The city council's decision to sell the decades-old temple complex to an Islamic organisation has sparked a debate over vote bank politics and the marginalisation of Britain's Hindu community.
US-Iran tensions escalate as President Donald Trump reinstates a naval blockade on Iran, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical conflict has triggered a global supply chain crisis, with China halting its helium exports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French commune of Evian-Les-Bains.
This episode of Statecraft covers major geopolitical shifts, starting with US President Donald Trump's proposed peace agreement with Iran. The draft understanding, which requires Arab states to join the Abraham Accords, challenges Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-standing strategy to isolate Tehran.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine as major cities face renewed aerial bombardments. Reporter Pranay provides updates on the ground situation, noting that Russia has targeted Kyiv and Kharkiv with over 100 UAVs, leaving the capital without power amidst freezing temperatures of minus 11 degrees Celsius. Pranay states, 'Most of the Kyiv city, which is the capital of Ukraine, is out of power, and heating is a big challenge.' The report highlights the stark contrast between the intense fighting on the battlefronts and the ongoing trilateral diplomatic talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi. While these talks in the UAE offer a glimmer of hope for a solution, the humanitarian crisis deepens with thousands of lives lost weekly. The programme explores the strategic targeting of electrical facilities by Russian forces and the retaliatory drone strikes by Ukraine as the war enters its fourth year.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the high-stakes diplomatic engagement between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Following their hour-long meeting, Zelenskyy expressed optimism about an upcoming trilateral summit in the UAE involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, stating, 'I think that trilateral meetings maybe will show each other variants' regarding unresolved territorial issues in eastern Ukraine. While Zelenskyy criticised European leaders for their perceived inaction and highlighted the disparity between the legal pursuit of Nicolas Maduro and Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump remained hopeful of a swift resolution. Trump asserted that a settlement is coming 'very soon,' noting that 'everyone wants the war to end.' The programme examines the shift in geopolitical dynamics during Trump’s second term and the potential for these first-of-their-kind trilateral negotiations to finally broker a peace deal after nearly four years of conflict.
On this Special Report, Professor Joseph Siracusa analyses Donald Trump’s controversial address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Siracusa highlights the irony of Trump’s presence at a forum themed around dialogue, noting that the President 'really has no restraints' compared to his first term. The discussion focuses on Trump’s persistent demand for the formal acquisition of Greenland, despite opposition from Denmark and the autonomous territory. Siracusa observes that while Trump has reportedly taken military force off the table, his 'tunnel vision' regarding Greenland threatens the strategic unity of NATO. The transcript also covers Trump’s positive remarks regarding India, where he described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'fantastic man' and expressed confidence in a 'good deal' for the India-US trade relationship. Siracusa concludes by addressing the European Union's quandary, as they face a 'rupture' with Washington while remaining dependent on US security support against threats from Russia.
In this address, US President Donald Trump outlines a bold foreign policy agenda centered on the acquisition of Greenland from Denmark. Trump asserts that 'all the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland' to ensure national security and establish a 'Golden Dome' defense system that would also protect Canada. He criticizes NATO allies for failing to contribute fairly, claiming the US has historically paid '100 percent of NATO' while receiving nothing in return. Trump also discusses his efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing it as a 'bloodbath' that must stop. Furthermore, he details domestic military reforms, including banning stock buybacks for defense companies and accelerating the production of advanced weaponry like the 'F-47' fighter jet. The President emphasizes that economic prosperity is the foundation of national security, warning allies that their cooperation on Greenland will influence future US support.
In a dramatic start to 2026, a US strike on Venezuela has toppled a 'strongman', triggering global reactions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified Britain's stance, stating, 'I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that,' while emphasizing the need to 'uphold international law.' The operation, described as a 'Trump attack', also drew a sharp response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who suggested Washington now 'knows what to do next' regarding dictators. The report details the geopolitical shockwaves as Latin American nations warn of escalation.
This Special Report details the global fallout following the United States' dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The operation has triggered a wave of international reactions, with Russia condemning the move and demanding an urgent UNSC meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that Washington now ‘knows what to do next’ regarding dictators, a comment seen as a veiled reference to Vladimir Putin. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris criticised President Donald Trump, stating the action does not make America safer. In a direct address, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified the UK's position, stating, ‘I want to establish the facts first, I want to speak to President Trump... I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that.’ The report also highlights concerns from Brazil, Colombia, and China regarding international law and sovereignty.
This report details a meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The speaker notes that Trump also held a 2.5-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to the meeting. According to the report, both leaders expressed optimism about a peace deal, with Zelenskyy suggesting a full agreement could be reached by January 2026. The programme highlights that while progress has been made, issues regarding territory and security guarantees remain unresolved. The report also mentions the involvement of Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner in the peace plan negotiations.
In this exclusive interview, former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor analyses the high-stakes diplomatic meetings involving Donald Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Moscow and Berlin. Speaking to the host, Ambassador Taylor discusses reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is willing to 'withdraw their request for membership of NATO for the time being' in exchange for alternative security guarantees. He explains the concept of a European-led 'coalition of the willing' to secure Ukraine, distinct from NATO. Taylor also assesses the crumbling of the post-Cold War security architecture and the necessity for Europe to fend for itself against Russian aggression.
This special report covers breaking news of a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, reportedly brokered by the Trump administration to end the nearly four-year-long war. The discussion, featuring insights from correspondent Rohit Sharma in Washington, notes that Ukraine has allegedly accepted the agreement pending final details. According to Rohit Sharma, 'the devil is always in the details. So we do not know if all those three red lines that were drawn by the Europeans would be taken into consideration or not'. The report mentions that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is awaiting the plan, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may travel to Washington to seal the deal.
This special report focuses on accelerating peace talks between the United States and Ukraine in Geneva, Switzerland. A US delegation including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Army Secretary Daniel Skoll, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is in Geneva for discussions with Ukrainian representatives. The talks proceed amid comments from US President Donald Trump that the current peace plan is not a final offer and controversy over a leaked 28-point plan. The bulletin also notes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been in contact with European leaders. Correspondent Rohit Sharma reports, 'Secretary Rubio has called the lawmakers and told them that, you know, the 28-point plan that was leaked in the media had Russian talking points because it was developed by the Russians, and that does not necessarily state the position of the United States.' The meetings aim to find a resolution to the ongoing war with Russia.
This special report focusses on a upcoming meeting between former US President Donald Trump and New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, and a proposed 28-point Ukraine peace plan attributed to Trump.
This special report covers Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's reaction to a United States-backed peace proposal to end the war with Russia. President Zelenskyy described the situation as one of the most difficult in Ukraine's history, stating the proposed deal is pro-Russia and could compromise the nation's sovereignty and security. According to President Zelenskyy, 'Now is one of the most difficult moments in our history.' The report highlights the tension between Ukraine and its primary ally, the United States, over the negotiations. President Zelenskyy frames the situation as a choice for Ukraine between losing its dignity or risking the loss of a key international partner. The Ukrainian leader also referenced 'difficult 28 points' in the proposed deal, underscoring the significant challenges and risks ahead for his country.
