The media was reporting today as “day 4” of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. That is, the largest coordinated military attack in Europe since WWII. President Zelensky has a Russian target on his head, and he knows his family is on that same kill list. This ex-actor/comedian, who won 70% of his countryman’s vote in 2019, has impressed me more than I can adequately describe.
President Zelensky appeared Friday on state television in an army green t-shirt, leading from the trenches and showing the world the very definition of courage and patriotism through both his actions AND words. When President Biden and western leaders offered to evacuate him to safety on Thursday, he refused to leave his people and instead begged the west for arms and weapons to ultimately put into the hands of his brave citizens, that is, the ones left; reports today said that 500,000 Ukrainian people have already been displaced. His specific response to the offer, “we need ammo, not a ride” epitomize leadership.
His direct message to the Kremlin is a powerful one: “When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs.” I sincerely wonder how many other world “leaders” would have the courage and resolve to face an invasion with such heroism.