Early Life and Education of Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A timeline of key moments.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the current president of Ukraine, serving since 2019. Before entering politics, he was a successful entertainer. His presidency has been largely defined by the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, particularly the full-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022. He has been a key figure in leading Ukraine's response to the invasion and garnering international support.

Sections (6)

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

January 1978: Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Birth

In January 1978, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy was born in Ukraine.

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September 2003: Married Olena Kiyashko

In September 2003, Volodymyr Zelenskyy married Olena Kiyashko, with whom he had attended school and university.

July 2004: Birth of daughter Oleksandra

In July 2004, Zelenskyy and his wife Olena had their first daughter, Oleksandra.

2010: Kolomoyskyi Gained Control of 1+1 Media Group

In 2010, Ihor Kolomoyskyi, a billionaire businessman, gained control of the 1+1 Media Group.

January 2013: Birth of son Kyrylo

In January 2013, Zelenskyy and his wife Olena had their son, Kyrylo.

2013: Supported the Euromaidan movement

In late 2013, Zelenskyy supported the Euromaidan movement.

August 2014: Performance for troops in Mariupol and donation to army

In August 2014, Zelenskyy performed for Ukrainian troops in Mariupol and his studio donated ₴1 million to the Ukrainian army.

2014: Severing Ties with Russia

After Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Kvartal 95 closed its office in Moscow and began severing business ties with Russia; Zelenskyy himself stopped working in Russia by the end of 2014.

2014: Zelenskyy voted for Poroshenko

In 2014, Zelenskyy voted for Poroshenko in the presidential election but later stated that he was mistaken.

2014: Daughter in 8 New Dates movie

In Zelenskyy's 2014 movie 8 New Dates, his daughter Oleksandra played Sasha, the daughter of the protagonist.

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2015: Ukraine Banned Some Russian Media

Since 2015, Ukraine has banned some Russian artists and Russian media and art from entering Ukraine.

2016: Daughter won Make the Comedian Laugh: Kids

In 2016, Zelenskyy's daughter Oleksandra participated in the show Make the Comedian Laugh: Kids and won ₴50,000.

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March 2018: Servant of the People Party Creation

In March 2018, employees of Kvartal 95 created a political party with the same name as the TV show "Servant of the People".

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October 2018: Frontrunner in Opinion Polls

As early as October 2018, Zelenskyy was already a frontrunner in opinion polls for the presidential election.

December 2018: Presidential Candidacy Announcement

On the evening of 31 December 2018, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his candidacy in the 2019 presidential election.

2018: Assets worth about $1.5 million

In 2018, Zelenskyy's assets were worth approximately ₴37 million, equivalent to about US$1.5 million.

April 2019: Ukrainian News Outlets Called on Zelenskyy

On 16 April 2019, a few days before the election, 20 Ukrainian news outlets called on Zelenskyy to "stop avoiding journalists".

April 2019: Presidential Debates

On 19 April 2019, presidential debates were held at Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in the form of a show.

May 2019: Inauguration as President

In May 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was inaugurated as President of Ukraine, with foreign officials in attendance. Zelenskyy became the first Jewish president of Ukraine and, with Volodymyr Groysman as prime minister, Ukraine became the first country other than Israel to simultaneously have a Jewish head of state and head of government.