Message from Zelensky: Ukraine is fighting for good against evil

kyiv, Ukraine — Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky was often seen as a former comedian who found himself leading a 'a nation with the seemingly naive promise to clean up Ukraine's endemic corruption.

After a quick trip Tuesday through the bloodiest theater of the war, it is arrived in Washington on Wednesday as a national hero and global superstar, having forged a leadership style that blended personal boldness and deft messages to rally his people at home and his allies abroad.

This aura has served him and his country well thus far. But Mr. Zelensky arrives in Washington at a pivotal moment for Ukraine, as his troops' blistering counter-offensives from this fall slow down. He will advocate for the stronger weapons he thinks Ukraine needs, but he will have to walk a fine line.

By embarking on a daring journey abroad in times of war, he is looking to project his strength and show that Ukraine will eventually prevail. But to make the case for continued financial and military support, he must draw attention to the dire threat Ukraine still faces without appearing weak.

ImagePresident Volodymyr Zelensky visiting the southern city of Kherson last month. He ventures into the field more often to project confidence. serious progress in the war,” Volodymyr Ariev, a member of parliament from the opposition European Solidarity party, said in an interview. "It's a pretty clear message that the U.S.-Ukraine alliance is maintained and strong enough."

In Ukraine, the visit also been seen as tied to the US political calendar, coming as control of the House shifts to the Republican Party, some members of which have expressed skepticism that aid will continue to flow to Ukraine. p>

Another from M. Analysts say Zelensky's primary goal is to maintain unified American support for the war, doing whatever he can to prevent it does not turn into a partisan issue.

"Zelensky should not maneuver between Democrats and Republicans," said Yevhen Mahda, a political commentator in Kyiv, in a interview. "It should suggest a new paradigm - the paradigm that Ukraine today is at the epicenter of the battle between the good and evil.

"And by supporting Ukraine, the United States is supporting good," Mahda added. "This is the message needed."

ImageM. Zelensky, a former comedian, proved to be a master of political messaging. He addressed Congress in a virtual address in March. Zelensky, a former comedian, has always had a keen sense of image and storytelling in politics, which is evident in his follow-up to a frontline visit to the eastern town of Bakhmut - with the artillery in full backdrop - with his speech to Congress. /p>

"It is an honor for me to be here today," Zelensky told soldiers in Bakhmut, where Russia has been waging a fierce offensive for decades. month. To those who have children, he says: "I wish that your sun, that is to say your children, shines for you, for...