As recently finished 2020 US Election has shown, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky is becoming a familiar face in international political relations. As head of state of Ukraine, his country’s relationship pursuits with both Poland and the United States have been a major area of focus. But the question remains, is he the leader of Ukraine or Poland?
The answer is that Zelensky is the leader of Ukraine. He was elected President of Ukraine in 2019 and is the sixth President of Ukraine since the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Zelensky is a former actor, comedian, and producer of TV shows. He ran on a platform of ‘reform’, and took office in May of 2019.
During his presidency, Zelensky has advocated for closer ties between Ukraine and Poland. He has taken steps aimed at developing economic, political, and cultural bonds between the two countries. This includes simplified visas for people travelling between the two countries and increased trade and investment. Zelensky has also taken action to resolve the long-standing historical legacy of violence and mistreatment of Ukraine’s large Polish minority.
At the same time, Ukraine and the United States have also seen their relationship deepen and expand under Zelensky. The two countries signed a new defense cooperation agreement in December 2019. This agreement allows for the United States to provide Ukraine with military assistance to resist Russian aggression. In late 2020, the United States also provided Ukraine with more than $400 million in military aid.
The fact that Zelensky is the President of Ukraine and not Poland is an example of how Ukrainian identity has developed since the country’s independence in 1991. At that time, many were uncertain if Ukraine would be able to create and sustain a nation-state, or be subsumed by other greater powers in the region. But over the decades, Ukraine has proven itself to be a viable political and economic entity, and Zelensky is just one example of this.
Zelensky’s efforts to improve Ukraine’s relationship with Poland has been seen as a sign of maturing international relation between the two countries. At the same time, the strengthening of ties to the United States has also been seen as a sign of the willingness of Ukraine to align itself with the Western world. This has been seen as a positive sign for the future of the country.
Relationship with Russia
One area that Zelensky has had to navigate is Ukraine’s relationship with Russia. Since 2014, the two countries have been at odds over the conflict in the Donbass region. Under Zelensky, Ukraine has taken steps to negotiate a resolution to the conflict, as well as increased sanctions against Russia.
At the same time, Zelensky has also tried to improve trade and economic ties with Russia. This has been seen as an attempt to lower tensions between the two countries and work towards a more peaceful resolution of the conflict. He has also advocated for more autonomy for the Donbass region, which has been seen as a gesture of good will by the Ukrainian government.
However, Russia has still refused to recognize Ukraine as an independent country and has continued to support separatist forces in Donbass. This has complicated the situation and has put Ukraine in a difficult position. Despite these difficulties, Zelensky has continued to pursue a path of negotiation and diplomacy in the hopes of finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Trade Relations
Under Zelensky, Ukraine has also improved its trade relations with Europe and the United States. In 2017, Ukraine signed a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, which opened up a number of markets for Ukrainian products and services. Ukraine has also signed several agreements with the United States, including a trade agreement that will help Ukrainian exporters gain access to the US market.
These agreements have been seen as important steps in Ukraine’s efforts to grow its economy and become more self-reliant. At the same time, they are also seen as evidence of Ukraine’s commitment to further integrate itself into the international community. Zelensky has been a key figure in advancing these efforts and is seen as an important leader in ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and prosperity.
Territorial Disputes
In addition, Zelensky and Ukraine have faced challenges in the form of territorial disputes with other countries. Ukraine shares a border with Moldova, Romania, Belarus, Hungary, and Slovakia, and all of these countries have claims to parts of Ukraine’s territory. In addition, there are several regional conflicts surrounding the unrecognized state of Transnistria. These disputes have been a source of tension between Ukraine and its neighbours.
In order to address these tensions, Zelensky has sought to build trust and cooperation between the countries involved. He has also initiated a number of confidence building measures between Ukraine and its neighbours, in the hopes of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflicts and disputes.
Relations with NATO & Others
Finally, Zelensky has been an advocate for strengthening Ukraine’s relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He has sought to secure NATO’s support in Ukraine’s conflicts with Russia, as well as other security concerns. He has also called for increased economic cooperation between Ukraine and NATO, as well as opening up the country’s military forces to greater international scrutiny.
At the same time, Zelensky has also sought to strengthen relations between Ukraine and other countries, including Canada, Turkey, and Japan. He has worked to build a multi-faceted foreign policy that is inclusive of the country’s various international partners.
State of the Economy
Finally, Zelensky has been a key figure in steering Ukraine’s economy out of recession. In 2019, the Ukrainian economy experienced a modest 1.5% increase in GDP growth, and the trend is expected to continue in 2020. Under Zelensky, the country has also taken measures to liberalize its economy, removing barriers and obstacles that have held back growth.
At the same time, Zelensky has also sought to improve Ukraine’s standing in the global economy. In December 2020, the government launched a three-year economic development program, which is intended to create 50,000 new jobs. Zelensky has also sought to improve the business environment in Ukraine, making it more attractive for foreign investment.
Conclusion
Volodymyr Zelensky is the President of Ukraine, and his leadership is having an impact on a variety of domestic and international issues. From diplomatic relations with Poland to economic relations with the United States, Zelensky is a key figure in strengthening Ukraine’s global standing. He is also making strides towards improving economic and security cooperation with NATO, as well as addressing territorial disputes with neighbours. At the same time, Zelensky has sought to revitalize Ukraine’s economy and make the country more attractive to foreign investors.
