Zelensky has become more than a man - a symbol.

[Ocelot II]

Ukrainian forces held Kyiv into Saturday morning and Zelensky emerged onto the streets of the capital, walking with his countrymen. This is a level of personal bravery that we are utterly unaccustomed to seeing from heads of state.2 Zelensky’s conduct over the last few weeks—which has been utterly extraordinary—has substantially buttressed Ukraine’s resolve. He has become more than a man. More than a leader. He has become a symbol.

What we are witnessing is the emergence of a figure who will become a key part of Ukrainian history for the next century. There will be statues of him all over the country. Ukrainians will name their children after him. This is like watching another country’s Washington or Churchill emerge in real time.

I hope we all appreciate how special this is. And how rare. Because normally when world-historical figures emerge, it’s because they’re bad guys.

https://thetriad.thebulwark.com/p/zelensky-has-become-more-than-a-man?utm_source=url

The footnote:

2 A political aside: There is a faction in American politics which fetishizes the idea of alpha males and “but he fights.” And weirdly enough, that faction seems to be firmly on Russia’s side in this conflict. If that fetish was really about wanting a leader who “fights” then they would be gobsmacked by Zelensky.

Instead, they worship the soft, flabby draft-dodger who tried to blackmail Zelensky.

Watching Zelensky’s conduct over the last few weeks makes Donald Trump’s attempt to use the power of the United States government to blackmail him even more obscene. Trump is not fit to shine Zelensky’s boots. That Trump’s actions were taken not as a private citizen, but as the American head of state should make all of us deeply ashamed.

[Beetwasher.]

1. He's Impressive for Sure

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. Superb analysis...

Especially the dig at TDFG. "Not fit to shine Zelensky's boots."

Rest assured, Ukrainian parents will be swift to name their children after Zelensky more than American one naming theirs Donald.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

3. K & R!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

4. This is great article

Selensky has become a true hero and symbol for his country

Link to tweet

He declined an offer of evacuation from the United States. Ukrainian forces held Kyiv into Saturday morning and Zelensky emerged onto the streets of the capital, walking with his countrymen. This is a level of personal bravery that we are utterly unaccustomed to seeing from heads of state.2 Zelensky’s conduct over the last few weeks—which has been utterly extraordinary—has substantially buttressed Ukraine’s resolve. He has become more than a man. More than a leader. He has become a symbol.

What we are witnessing is the emergence of a figure who will become a key part of Ukrainian history for the next century. There will be statues of him all over the country. Ukrainians will name their children after him. This is like watching another country’s Washington or Churchill emerge in real time.

I hope we all appreciate how special this is. And how rare. Because normally when world-historical figures emerge, it’s because they’re bad guys.

But at some point he may have to make a judgment about how his life best serves his country. Is it more important that he stay alive to lead? Even if he has to eventually leave Kyiv? Or would sacrificing himself to the Russians make the symbol even more powerful?

[peggysue2]

5. Putin loses either way

Alive, Zelensky has become a living legend, a hero to his people and the cause of freedom everywhere. If Putin succeeds in killing the man, Zelensky becomes a martyr to his people and the cause of freedom everywhere.

A no-win prospect for Putin and his thugs because despite the thick propaganda, the world is watching this tragedy play out with a sense of horror but also with awe and deep respect. For Zelensky, for all the men and women who refuse to surrender their country, their beliefs, their souls, these images and words will be remembered, imprinted.

This is the stuff legends are made of, inspirational source material.

A despot's nightmare.

[Sunsky]

6. Admirable

His leadership qualities of strength and courage in the face of impending doom are usually only seen in movies. I am pleasantly surprised at the grit of the Ukrainians. Their behavior should be a model for all of us. Some of us have talked the big talk but the Ukrainians have walked the big walk. Much respect.