How Zelenskyy has changed in 5 years of presidency. Eloquent photos that speak for themselves

May 20, 2024, marked the first anniversary of the presidency of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former entertainment show host and now a courageous leader of Ukraine. A little less than half of his presidency was spent amid Russia's full-scale war, which is why he was unable to translate all the promises and plans he made in 2019 into reality.

Five years ago, an overwhelming majority voted to elect a new young, ambitious president, who did not realize that on February 24, 2022, there would be no more relatively calm life, and all the stress would be visible on the politician's face. Zelenskyy's beard also adds to his age. OBOZ.UA has collected eloquent shots of the Ukrainian president throughout his term that speak for themselves.

The inauguration of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. May 20, 2019

Ambitious and cheerful – this was the mood in which Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidency began. Since that day, we can recall many photos that have gone viral: from kissing his wife Olena Zelenska after the election results were announced to shaking hands with ordinary Ukrainians during his first walk to the Verkhovna Rada. However, the photo that has the most weight is the one of Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivering his inaugural speech and raising the mace, a historical symbol of state power, above his head.

First meeting of the Presidents of Ukraine and France Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron. June 17, 2019

On June 17, 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid his first official visit to France. The photo shows how happy both heads of state are. However, if we compare the photo from that day with the one from their last meeting in February 2024, we can't see any sparkle or joy in their eyes.

A trip to Istanbul, Turkey. October 16, 2020

The head of state is no longer as cheerful as he was six months ago, and his face is beginning to show fatigue.

Last trip to the front before Russia's full-scale invasion. February 17, 2022

On that day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Donetsk region to learn about the conditions and living standards of the Ukrainian military.

President's address to Ukrainians. February 24, 2022

On February 24, in the morning, Volodymyr Zelenskyy recorded a video message in which he said that Russian troops had invaded the territory of Ukraine. Since then, the President has rarely been seen smiling.

The first press conference after the outbreak of full-scale war. March 8, 2022

Almost 2 weeks after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a press conference on the situation at the front and in the country for the first time in a long time. It was then that we noticed significant changes in his behavior, which were the result of sleepless nights and a pile of work that fell on his shoulders.

Meeting with the press in dilapidated Bucha. April 4, 2022

In April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the liberated territories of the Kyiv region. At the time, he said that the Russians would be held responsible for the killings of civilians in Bucha.

First trip to the United States after the outbreak of full-scale war. December 21, 2022

The president of Ukraine has many wrinkles on his face and looks tired. In particular, a dark beard was already visible at that time, and it remains the same length to this day.

New Year's Eve family photo. December 31, 2023

Olena and Volodymyr Zelenskyy rarely see each other, so these joint photos try to explain that the president is not only busy with work but still cherishes family values.

Embroidery Day. May 16, 2024

On Embroidery Day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed a symbolic photo of himself in an embroidered shirt. His sad features and wrinkles have not disappeared, but his graying hair has joined them.

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