Volodymyr Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky refused to flee Kyiv in February 2022 — the comedian-turned-president filming selfie videos from the capital's streets to show the world Ukraine would not fall, embodying extraordinary personal courage.

Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in December 2022 — his first foreign visit after the invasion began, receiving a standing ovation and securing billions in military aid.