On January 25, 2025, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, celebrates his 47th birthday. This is a special moment as it marks his sixth year in office as the head of state, and the third time under the conditions of full-scale war. In this article, we will explore interesting facts about Zelensky’s life path, career, and achievements.
Early Years and Education
Volodymyr Zelensky was born on January 25, 1978, in the industrial city of Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipropetrovsk region. An unusual fact from his childhood is that he spent his first four years of school life in the Mongolian city of Erdenet, where his parents worked on a contract. Upon returning to Ukraine, he continued his education at Gymnasium No. 95 in Kryvyi Rih, where he first displayed his leadership qualities.
In 1995, Volodymyr enrolled at the Kyiv National Economic University, where he studied Law. However, a legal career did not become his calling.
From Humor to Success: Career in Show Business
During his student years, Zelensky joined the team of the KVN (Club of the Merry and Inventive) “Zaporizhzhia – Kryvyi Rih – Transit”, which became the first step towards his popularity. Later, he formed his own team called “95th Quarter”, which quickly gained success in the Higher League of KVN.
After leaving KVN, the “95th Quarter” transformed into a studio that produced numerous popular projects, including “Evening Quarter”, where Zelensky was the main actor and scriptwriter. His creativity helped him become one of the most recognizable media personalities in Ukraine.
Political Breakthrough
Volodymyr Zelensky announced his intention to run for President of Ukraine on New Year’s Eve 2019. His campaign was revolutionary: he communicated with voters through social media, avoiding traditional political techniques. In April 2019, he won a stunning victory with 73.22% of the votes, becoming one of the most supported presidents in the history of Ukraine.
Personal Life
Since 2003, Volodymyr has been married to Olena Kiyashko, whom he attended school with. The couple has two children: daughter Oleksandra (born 2008) and son Kyrylo (born 2013).
Interesting Facts
- In his childhood, Zelensky dreamed of becoming a border guard. “Now I am not a border guard, but I still defend our country,” the president jokes.
- During his university studies, he was offered a scholarship to study in Israel, but he declined.
- Between 2004 and 2019, he appeared in 18 movies and TV series, including “Servant of the People,” which foreshadowed his political path.
- In 2019, the magazine “Time” included Zelensky in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Leader in Times of Challenges
Zelensky’s presidency came during challenging times for Ukraine. He led the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since 2022, he has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in the war against Russian aggression. His international efforts garnered support for Ukraine, and he was recognized as the “Person of the Year” by leading global publications such as “Time” and “Financial Times.”
Future of Zelensky
At 47 years old, Volodymyr Zelensky remains a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience. His life is an example of how determination, hard work, and dedication can change the course of history. The President continues to lead Ukraine to victory, remaining a voice of democracy on the world stage.
