“Politician” recognizes Zelenski as the most influential person in Europe; Putin is a loser

Politico acknowledged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as the most influential person in Europe in 2022.

“Europe is changing. The continent is reevaluating its strategic relationships, starting to take defense seriously, rethinking trade policy, [jaunu ES dalībvalstu] adhesion and energy security. In general, rethink what it means to be European, and this is largely due to a comedian who became the president of Ukraine,” Politico wrote, justifying his choice.

“It’s not the first time in recent years that Ukraine has been attacked by Russia. (..) The reason why the situation is different this time is Volodimir Zelenskis – a personality that Europe not only trusts, but admires and follows, unlike previous presidents of Ukraine. Just look at the European leaders who won the election rushing to Kiev to snap a photo with the serious-looking 44-year-old in his now-iconic olive green T-shirt. Politicians want to see them next to him.”

“Zelensky has convinced the rest of Europe that his future is tied to the future of Ukraine, something few believed before the Russian invasion in February. His communication skills have been key. His rhetoric clearly demonstrates the evil of Russian regime it is fighting, dissuading much of Europe – especially in Berlin and Paris – from the belief that Moscow can be a partner”.

“Zelensky’s skill at using social media, traditional media, and Western cultural institutions (such as appearing at the Grammy Awards or the Cannes Film Festival) has brought this war closer to the West, convincing leaders and audiences that his battle is theirs too.”

“It gives him the power to get Europe to do what he wants. If he wants weapons, he gets them, even if that means changing Germany’s long-standing policy of not selling them. If he wants sanctions [pret Krieviju], gets them, even if it means that Europe endures an energy crisis and a harsh winter with high gas prices. (..) It even managed to overcome the long-standing impasse on the country’s path to EU membership, which has been frozen since 2013. The bloc’s leaders granted Ukraine candidate country status in June.”

“As long as Zelensky is alive, he will continue to lead Europe in the direction he wants,” Politico summed up.

In the list of the most influential people in Europe compiled by “Politico”, Zelenskiy is at the top, there are a total of 28 people – 18 men and 10 women. Half of them are politicians and the other 14 are diplomats, economists, educators and climatologists.

The people included in the list, apart from Zelensky, are also divided into three categories: proponents, dreamers and troublemakers.

The nine “agents” are German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, head of the strategic department of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade Denis Redonnet, French politician Marina Lepēna, the director of “Frontex” Aija Kalnāja, the chief cabinet of the President of the European Commission, Björn Seiberts.

Among the nine “dreamers”, the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, is in first place, and the President of Russia is in last place Vladimir Putinwhom “Politico” called a “loser”.

Among the nine “hecklers” are the new Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, the French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the European commissioner for internal affairs Ilva Johansson, the Greek prime minister Kyriac Mitsotakis and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Last year, “Politico” recognized the then Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, as the most influential person in Europe.

Also “Time” Zelensky person of the year

This year, the title of “Person of the Year” of the US weekly “Time” was awarded to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the “spirit of Ukraine” in the fight against the invasion of the Russian army.

The title of “Person of the Year” is awarded by Time magazine to one or more people who – positively or negatively – have had the greatest influence on the news in the last year. For the first time “Time” awarded this title in 1927.

Calling Zelensky’s decision to stay in Kiev and unite his country in the fight against Russia fateful, the editor-in-chief of “Time” Edward Felzenthal said that this year’s decision to award the title of “Person of the Year was the clearest in her memory.

Since the Russian invasion began on February 24, Zelensky has regularly briefed the nation on the progress of the war, addressed world leaders and called on the international community to continue supporting Ukraine. He has also visited the front lines.

“His information offensive changed the geopolitical weather system, triggering a wave of action that swept across the globe,” Felzenthal said.

“Whether the fight for Ukraine fills one with hope or fear, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has impacted the world in a way not seen in decades,” he added.

Zelensky shares the ‘Man of the Year’ title with the ‘spirit of Ukraine’, which is embodied by the countless people inside and outside of Ukraine who are fighting behind the scenes, including people like cooks and surgeons, Felzenthal said.

Last year, this title was awarded to Elon Musk, the founder of the electric car manufacturer Tesla and the developer of space tourism.