The Washington Post: What Western politicians should learn from Zelensky

Comedian Vladimir Zelensky was elected president of Ukraine not only for his wit, but also for his flexibility, and this could be a lesson for Western politicians, writes “Voice of America"with reference to The Washington Post.

Фото: Depositphotos

1. Flexibility

Zelensky was distinguished by his ability to boldly change political positions and alliances, depending on where the wind blows.

Researchers Stanislav Markus and Volga Charnysh compare Zelensky's election campaign with the tactics of the Ukrainian oligarchs, who simultaneously support different political players, sometimes even from opposing political camps, increasing the chances of success of the oligarchs.

In a context where Ukraine has a sharp cultural and political split between a pro-Western majority and a minority, identifying with Russian culture “and feeling like a fifth column in my own home,” Zelensky was also able to gain a majority of votes in both of these groups, which he could not previously none of the candidates achieve.

2. Eliminating “tied hands”

Zelensky’s strategy was to avoid political speeches and what could tie him to a specific approach. Instead, he performed in his usual comedy shows, showing people that he was attractive and on their side. He expresses support for the existing pro-Western policy, saying that Ukraine can do more to achieve peace with Russia.

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Poroshenko and his allies called Zelensky a puppet of the Kremlin, some noted his Russian speech and Jewish origin, his too close connection with the oligarch Igor Kolomoisky. But these accusations “didn’t stick to him,” and both Ukrainian nationalists and pro-Russian voters voted for him.

3. "I will never cheat on you"

This is exactly the promise Zelensky made when delivering his victory speech. For Western observers, this statement sounds incredible. Some expect that Zelensky will have to choose: Russia or the West, reforms or social protection. “Either option will leave half the voters feeling betrayed.”

Фото: Depositphotos

However, writes the author of the article, Mitchell Orenstein, his research shows that in the countries “at the crossroads” that are located between Russia and the EU, at the forefront of the new geopolitical split in Europe, many political leaders achieve success by showing the flexibility of the Ukrainian oligarchs. Caught in a geopolitical conflict between powerful neighbors, the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova are thriving, successfully flirting with Russia and the West, receiving benefits from both sides.

On the subject: Jewish roots, political connections and secrets of success: the Israeli press about Zelensky

4. Visionary flexibility

In Georgia, the former prime minister and oligarch Ivanishvili significantly improved relations with Russia, but despite this he signed a free trade agreement with the EU.

The head of the Democratic Party of Moldova and the biggest oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, who received a significant share of the votes of the pro-Russian voters in the parliamentary elections of 2019, after the elections, proposed to support the pro-European coalition.

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The author of the article believes that Zelensky will also show flexibility, skillfully maneuvering between the West and Russia. And his promise to remain in power only one term will only help him in this. This is how the author advises politicians in other European countries to behave in a deeply divided society.

As ForumDaily wrote earlier:

• Showman Vladimir Zelensky won the presidential election in Ukraineby typing 73% of votes.
• Here as Vladimir Zelensky himself responded to win after these exit polls. Here is the reaction of Petro Poroshenko.
• 10 facts about Zelensky: when and where he was born, how he made his career, what assets he owns and how long he intends to hold the presidency. In this news - facts about his wife Elena, the future first lady of Ukraine.
• Information that publishes an Israeli press about Zelenskywho found his Jewish roots.
• "From D'Artagnan to the Servant of the People": what films did Zelensky star in.

Read also on ForumDaily:

"Landings will be": the Zelensky team promised to punish those responsible for the surrender of the Crimea

Trump called in person: how world leaders responded to Zelensky’s victory

Putin, with the help of Zelensky, wants to create a "common Ukrainian-Russian citizenship": what does it mean

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