Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1997: Won KVN's Major League

In 1997, the "Zaporizhzhia-Kryvyi Rih-Transit" team, featuring Zelenskyy, won KVN's Major League in a tie with Armenian opponents.

2006: Won Ukraine's Dancing with the Stars

In 2006, Zelenskyy won the first season of Ukraine's "Dancing with the Stars".

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2018: Teletriumph Awards

In 2018, Zelenskyy continued to receive the Teletriumph Awards, Ukraine's national television awards. Teletriumph 2018 remains the most recent award year.

2019: Became the sixth president of Ukraine

In 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy became the sixth president of Ukraine.

2019: Zelenskyy Wins Presidential Election

In 2019, Zelenskyy won the Ukrainian presidential election with 73.23 percent of the vote in the second round, defeating Petro Poroshenko.

July 2020: Formal Ceasefire Announced

In July 2020, Zelenskyy announced a formal ceasefire with the separatists, which was the more than twentieth such attempt since the war began.

May 2021: Highest Trust Rating Among Ukrainian Presidents

In May 2021, a Rating Group poll gave Zelenskyy the highest trust rating out of all Ukrainian presidents, ranking him as the second-best president after Leonid Kuchma.

March 2022: Awarded Order of the White Lion

On March 7, 2022, Czech president Miloš Zeman decided to award Zelenskyy with the highest state award of the Czech Republic, the Order of the White Lion, for his bravery and courage.

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: Species Named After Zelenskyy

On 20 July 2022, Polish paleontologists named an extinct species of feather star, Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi, after Zelenskyy in recognition of his courage and bravery in defending Ukraine.

October 2022: Zelenskyy Ranked Second Most Outstanding Ukrainian

In October 2022, a Rating Group poll ranked Zelenskyy the second most outstanding Ukrainian of all time, behind Taras Shevchenko.

December 2022: Zelenskyy Visits the United States and Secures Patriot Missiles

On 21 December 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first foreign trip since the war began, visiting the United States. During the visit he met with President Joe Biden and addressed Congress, the United States announced the supply of Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

2022: Person of the Year

In 2022, both the British newspaper Financial Times and the US magazine Time recognized Zelenskyy as their Person of the Year.

October 2024: Zelenskyy Unveils the Victory Plan for Ukraine

In October 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the Victory Plan for Ukraine, comprising five points addressing geopolitical, military, economic, and national defense/safety aspects.

2024: Verkhovna Rada Decriminalizes First Instance Desertion for Soldiers

In late 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed bills decriminalizing soldiers' first instance of desertion or absence without leave if they returned to their duty station, and allowing these soldiers to return to military service.

July 2025: Zelenskyy Submits New Draft Law to Restore Anti-Corruption Bodies' Independence

Following widespread protests, Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a new draft law aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO, safeguarding them from Russian influence. On 31 July 2025, the law was adopted by parliament and signed by Zelenskyy, indicating the state's responsiveness to public opinion.