Challenges in the Life of Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Volodymyr Zelenskyy's life and career.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the current president of Ukraine, serving since 2019. Prior to his political career, he was a successful entertainer. His presidency has been largely defined by the Russo-Ukrainian war, including the annexation of Crimea and invasion of Donbas which started five years before he took office, and the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine beginning in 2022. He has become a prominent figure on the world stage due to his leadership during the ongoing conflict.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: Zelenskyy and Kvartal 95 Left KVN

In 2003, Zelenskyy and Kvartal 95 left KVN due to disputes over money, political censorship, and an antisemitic insult against Zelenskyy.

2014: Stopped Working in Russia

By the end of 2014, Zelenskyy stopped working in Russia after Russia's annexation of Crimea, and Kvartal 95 closed its Moscow office.

2014: Performed for Ukrainian Soldiers and Donations to the Army

From 2014, Kvartal 95 visited the war zone to perform for Ukrainian soldiers and donated ₴1 million to the Ukrainian army, leading to calls for a ban on Zelenskyy's works in Russia.

2017: Svaty Banned in Ukraine

In 2017, the sitcom "Svaty", co-produced by Zelenskyy, was banned in Ukraine after a Russian lead actor was blacklisted.

December 2018: Statements on ending the war in Donbas

In December 2018, Zelenskyy stated that as president he would try to end the ongoing war in Donbas by negotiating with Russia, but not with the leaders of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic (DPR and LPR). He also mentioned the possibility of holding a referendum on the issue.

2018: Love in the Big City 2 Banned in Ukraine

In 2018, Zelenskyy's "Love in the Big City 2" was banned in Ukraine due to the inclusion of a blacklisted Russian actor.

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May 2019: Border statement on Facebook

On 2 May 2019, Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook that "the border is the only thing Russia and Ukraine have in common."

September 2019: Trump-Ukraine Scandal Emerges

In September 2019, it was reported that U.S. President Trump allegedly blocked military aid to Ukraine to pressure Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter. This report led to the Trump-Ukraine scandal. Zelenskyy denied being pressured.

October 2019: Preliminary Deal with Separatists and Public Criticism

In October 2019, Zelenskyy announced a preliminary deal with separatists, under which Ukraine would respect elections in the region in exchange for Russia withdrawing troops. This deal faced heavy criticism and protests.

2019: Promises during the presidential campaign

During his 2019 presidential campaign, Zelenskyy promised to introduce bills aimed at combating corruption, including the removal of immunity for key officials, and to reform election laws. He also pledged to raise military personnel salaries to NATO standards.

2019: Draft Law on Election System

In 2019, after calling a snap Ukrainian parliamentary election, Zelenskyy proposed a draft law to hold the election with closed lists because the 60-day term to the snap election did not "leave any chances for the introduction of this system," although he had earlier stated that he preferred elections with open list election ballots. However, this bill was rejected by parliament.

January 2020: Foreign Affairs Minister Unable to Answer Questions

On January 17, 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prystaiko was unable to answer questions in parliament about the official agenda of the visit to Oman. On January 20, 2020, Prystaiko gave a briefing saying that he would explain everything about the visit when the time came.

January 2020: Shortened Trip to Oman and Plane Crash

On January 8, 2020, the Presidential Office announced that Volodymyr Zelenskyy was cutting short his trip to Oman owing to the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 plane crash in nearby Iran the same day. Rumors emerged regarding potential meetings with Russian representatives during the Oman visit, which were later dismissed as baseless.

March 2020: Honchurak's Resignation and Zelenskyy's Address

In March 2020, Prime Minister Honchurak resigned following a leaked audio recording where he appeared to belittle Zelenskyy's economic management, and was replaced by Denys Shmyhal. Zelenskyy addressed the Rada, recommitting to domestic and financial reforms.

September 2020: Zelenskyy's Approval Ratings Decline

By September 2020, Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval ratings had fallen to less than 32 percent.

September 2021: U.S. Trip and Assassination Attempt on Aide

In September 2021, Zelenskyy visited the United States, engaging in talks with U.S. officials and participating in the opening of the Ukrainian House in Washington, D.C. An assassination attempt occurred in Ukraine on Serhiy Shefir, Zelenskyy's aide, while Zelenskyy was in the U.S.

October 2021: Approval Rating Update

In October 2021, Zelenskyy's approval rating had fallen to 24.7%, but was still above or on par with most of his predecessors' at the same point in their presidencies.

November 2021: Accusations of Coup Plot

On November 26, 2021, Zelenskyy accused Russia and Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov of backing a plan to overthrow his government.

December 2021: Call for Preemptive Action Against Russia

In December 2021, Zelenskyy called for preemptive action against Russia.

2021: Escalation of Tensions with Russia

In 2021, Zelenskyy's administration faced an escalation of tensions with Russia.

January 2022: Appeals for Calm Amid Invasion Warnings

On January 19, 2022, Zelenskyy appealed to Ukrainian citizens not to panic and urged the media to avoid mass hysteria. On January 28, Zelenskyy called on the West not to create panic over a potential Russian invasion.

February 2022: Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during Zelenskyy's presidency.

February 2022: General Mobilization and Travel Ban

In February 2022, Zelenskyy ordered a general military mobilization and banned men aged 18 to 60 from leaving Ukraine.

February 2022: Russia's Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Zelenskyy's administration faced the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

March 2022: Calls for Russians to Emigrate and Suspension of Political Parties

In March 2022, Zelenskyy called on Russians to emigrate from Russia and supported the suspension of 11 Ukrainian political parties with ties to Russia.

March 2022: Visit to Kyiv and Deepfake Attack

On March 15, 2022, the prime ministers of Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia visited Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy. On March 16, 2022, a deepfake appeared online of Zelenskyy calling on Ukrainian citizens to surrender to Russia.

March 2022: Kremlin Demands and Zelenskyy's Response

On March 7, 2022, the Kremlin demanded Ukraine's neutrality, recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, and recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states as conditions for ending the invasion. On March 8, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to discuss Putin's demands but not capitulate, proposing a new collective security agreement.

April 2022: Criticism of Germany's Ties with Russia

In April 2022, Zelenskyy criticized Germany's ties with Russia.

May 2022: Zelenskyy Criticizes EU Leaders for Being Soft on Russia

In May 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized EU leaders for their lenient stance on Russia, questioning how Russia could still earn almost a billion euros daily from energy sales despite the ongoing conflict.

May 2022: Denouncement of Kissinger's Suggestions and Stance on Crimea and Donbas

In May 2022, Zelenskyy denounced suggestions by Henry Kissinger regarding ceding control of Crimea and Donbas to Russia. He stated that Ukraine would not agree to peace until Russia agreed to return Crimea and the Donbas region to Ukraine. On May 3, 2022, Zelenskyy accused Turkey of having "double standards" by welcoming Russian tourists. On May 25, 2022, Zelenskyy said that he was satisfied with China's policy of staying away from the conflict.

May 2022: Duty to Remain in Ukraine

In May 2022, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian men of conscription age had a duty to remain in Ukraine.

May 2022: Pledge to fight until regaining territories

On 25 May 2022, Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would continue fighting until it reclaims all of its territories.

July 2022: Mercosur Trade Bloc Refuses Zelenskyy's Request to Speak

On 20 July 2022, South America's Mercosur trade bloc declined Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request to speak at their summit in Paraguay.

August 2022: China's Leverage Over Putin

In August 2022, Zelenskyy said China had the economic leverage to pressure Putin to end the war.

September 2022: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin's Nuclear Threats and Discusses Future Relations with Russia

On 25 September 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons "could be a reality." He warned of nuclear blackmail and stated that society would not forgive Russia for the lives taken.

December 2022: Bill to ban religious organizations affiliated with Russia

On 2 December 2022, Zelenskyy announced that his administration would submit a bill to the Verkhovna Rada to ban "religious organizations affiliated with centers of influence in the Russian Federation", referring to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), from operating in Ukraine.

2022: Zelenskyy Calls on Russians to Resist Mobilization and Halts Peace Talks with Russia

In 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Russians to resist "criminal mobilization," citing disregard for Russian lives by commanders. Following Russia's annexation of Ukrainian regions, Zelenskyy also declared that Ukraine would not engage in peace talks with Russia while Vladimir Putin remained president.

January 2023: Russian Forces Secure Control of Soledar

On 16 January 2023, Russian forces secured control of Soledar following the Battle of Soledar, which had been decided by 31 December.

May 2023: Zelenskyy Calls for Putin to Stand Trial at the International Criminal Court

In May 2023, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the International Criminal Court in The Hague, advocating for Vladimir Putin to face trial for war crimes committed during the war in Ukraine, including the crime of aggression.

October 2023: Zelenskyy Criticizes Countries Supporting Russia After Hroza Missile Attack

In October 2023, following the Hroza missile attack, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized countries supporting Russia, condemning those who help Russia circumvent sanctions as criminals.

2023: Zelenskyy Signs Law Imposing Prison Terms for Desertion

In early 2023, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new law prescribing up to 12 years in prison for desertion or failure to report for duty without a valid reason.

February 2024: Zelenskyy Replaces Commander-in-Chief of Ukrainian Armed Forces

On 8 February 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced General Valery Zaluzhny with General Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. On 17 February, Syrskyi declared he would no longer hold Avdiivka.

April 2024: Zelenskyy Signs New Mobilization Law and Lowers Army Mobilization Age

In April 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new mobilization law aimed at increasing troop numbers and also signed into law a measure lowering Ukraine's army mobilization age from 27 to 25.

May 2024: Scheduled End of Presidential Term (Delayed)

Zelenskyy's term was originally scheduled to end in May 2024, but the ongoing Russian invasion and martial law prevented the election, extending his term.

June 2024: Zelenskyy Accuses China of Supporting Russia and Undermining Peace Efforts

In June 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that China's support for Russia would prolong the war in Ukraine. He also claimed that Russia used Chinese diplomats to undermine the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland.

July 2024: Zelenskyy Criticizes Modi's Meeting with Putin Amidst Russian Missile Strikes

In July 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Narendra Modi's meeting with Putin on the same day that Russian missile strikes hit the children's hospital Okhmatdyt in Kyiv. He expressed disappointment, calling it a "devastating blow to peace efforts".

August 2024: Bill passed to ban religious organizations affiliated with Russia

In August 2024, the bill from December 2022, was passed by parliament and signed by Zelenskyy, after opposition parties protested the bill's delay. The law treats each parish individually and gives it nine months to cut ties with the UOC-MP, following which a special commission will inspect individual parishes and file lawsuits against non-compliant ones; the court can then decide on a ban in each case.

August 2024: Zelenskyy Decommissions Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk After Pilot's Death

On 30 August 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy decommissioned Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, head of the Ukrainian Air Force since 2021, following the death of F-16 pilot Col Oleksiy Mes during a Russian missile attack.

December 2024: Zelenskyy Resists Pressure to Lower Conscription Age

In December 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy resisted pressure from the Biden administration to lower the conscription age to 18 to replace Ukraine's battlefield losses.

February 2025: Zelenskyy's contentions meeting with President Trump ends in cancellation

In February 2025, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Trump at the White House to discuss an agreement for US mineral extraction rights in Ukraine. The meeting became heated, resulting in cancellations and Zelenskyy being evicted from the White House.

July 2025: Zelenskyy Signs Controversial Law Weakening Anti-Corruption Bodies

On 22 July 2025, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a controversial law that diminished the independence of Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), and increased the power of the government's Prosecutor General. Critics voiced concerns it might hinder Ukraine's EU efforts.

September 2025: Comments on China's leverage over Russia

In September 2025, Zelenskyy asserted that China possesses the leverage to compel Russia to cease its invasion but noted that China has often remained silent instead of acting for peace.