Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has shown extraordinary leadership as his country faces Russia’s outrageous military invasion.
Referencing the heroic last stand of a Spartan-Greek contingent at the Battle of Thermopylae, Zelensky on Thursday declared, “I don’t want Ukraine’s history to be a legend about 300 Spartans.” He added, “I want peace.”
Recognizing his commitment to a just democratic peace, Zelensky should be given the Nobel Peace Prize.
Real peace cannot exist in a condition of external subjugation. Real peace instead entails the effort to negotiate a just peace and an end to war, but also to protect one’s home, family, and nation. That moral agenda is what Zelensky and his people are now serving.
In speech after speech, Zelensky has inspired the Ukrainian people to fight on for their country even amid the overwhelming military might of Russia. As Putin hides at his long table and waffles about nonexistent Nazis in Zelensky’s government — Zelensky is Jewish — Zelensky keeps up the good fight.
Addressing his people on Wednesday, Zelensky said, “We are on our native land. And for the war against us, there will be an international tribunal for them. My dears, the time will come when we will be able to sleep. But it will be after the war, after the victory in a peaceful country, as we need.”
Zelensky continued, “I ask all of you to take care of your loved ones. Take care of your brothers in arms. I admire you. The whole world admires you. Today, you, Ukrainians, are a symbol of invincibility. A symbol that people in any country can become the best people on Earth at any moment. Glory to Ukraine!”
Zelensky has also shown a commitment to doing whatever is realistically possible to prevent war.
Just before Russia’s invasion, Zelensky remarked, “The Ukrainian people want peace. The government in Ukraine wants peace and is doing everything it can to build it.” Zelensky emphasized his effort to get in touch with Putin and the failure of Putin to respond. The low-ranking Russian peace delegation sent to talk with Ukrainian officials at the Ukraine-Belarus border also emphasizes the outsize degree to which Zelensky, rather than Putin, is trying to end this terrible war.
There’s true prize-worthy leadership on display here. Indeed, historic leadership.
Leadership requires not running away from your people in a time of crisis. Since the invasion, Zelensky has stayed in Kyiv and has fought alongside his people in the hopes of maintaining Ukrainian sovereignty. He has also called on the world to take action. And it has worked. The U.S. and its allies have rallied by imposing significant sanctions on Russia and with escalating military and other assistance to Ukraine.
We now see a new Winston Churchill for the 21st century. This time it isn’t an experienced politician but rather a comedian-turned-president. Zelensky has shown resilience every step of the way. He deserves recognition. What better way than awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize?
Jackson Richman is a journalist in Washington, D.C. Follow him @jacksonrichman.
