While other Ukrainian stars played an express part in the protests, Zelensky remained non-partisan...‘I am keen to demonstrate, but my support is for the people, not for promises by the Government or the opposition.’ [loc. 726]
I suspect there are better biographies of Zelensky, but this fleshed out the 'comedian turned politician' story that's been doing the rounds since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. It provides an overview of the situation in Ukraine -- corruption, poverty, a history of war and genocide, the fact that it was the third largest nuclear power after Russia and the USA -- and the economics of the Ukrainian entertainment industry, with a focus on the comedy shows that made Zelensky a household name.
Derix examines Zelensky's offshore businesses and his sensitivity to criticism, but the focus is very much on his loyalty to the people of Ukraine and his desire to root out corruption and make Ukraine into 'a modern country with a digital economy and high standard of living'. I was left with the impression that he does a lot of his work via Facebook, speaking directly to the people, and that he's determined to live up to the 'sacred aspect to the office... the president needs to be more than just a cool guy'.
After all his negative experiences with politicians, he had come to like people less, and his dogs more. [loc. 1608]
No comments:
Post a Comment