Vladimir Zelensky, born in 1978 in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine, is the current President of Ukraine. He rose to fame as a comedian and actor, notably in the series "Servant of the People," which mirrored his eventual political career. Zelensky's family chose to stay in Ukraine despite Jewish emigration trends, with his grandfather serving in WWII and his parents working as a mathematician and engineer. He was an active student, involved in various activities and sports. Despite winning a grant for education in Israel, he stayed in Ukraine due to his father's wishes.
Zelensky pursued law but was drawn to humor and joined the KVN team "Zaporozhye - Krivoy Rog - Transit," eventually leading to the creation of "Studio Kvartal-95." His television work included hosting roles and participation in shows like "Dancing with the Stars." He voiced cartoons and appeared in advertisements as well.
In 2019, leveraging his popularity and the success of "Servant of the People," Zelensky ran for president, winning with 73% support. His presidency has focused on anti-corruption efforts, infrastructure improvements, and aspirations for NATO and EU integration. The war with Russia has elevated his status as a national hero, with his approval rating soaring amidst the conflict.
Zelensky's wealth is estimated at $25 million, primarily from his stake in Kvartal 95. He owns various properties and assets in Ukraine and abroad but has faced challenges due to the Russian invasion. Despite this, he remains committed to leading Ukraine through its current trials.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Vladimir Zelensky is the current President of Ukraine.
2. He was born on January 25, 1978, in Krivoy Rog, Dnipropetrovsk region.
3. His ancestors were Jewish, and several family members died during the Holocaust.
4. Zelensky's grandfather served as an officer in the Soviet army during World War II.
5. His father, Alexander Semenovich, is a mathematician, programmer, and Doctor of Technical Sciences.
6. His mother, Rimma Vladimirovna, worked as an engineer.
7. At the age of 4, Zelensky's family moved to Mongolia, where his father worked on a mining and processing plant project.
8. Zelensky learned the Mongolian language at the age of 8 but forgot it later due to lack of practice.
9. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Krivoy Rog Economic Institute.
10. Zelensky was a member of the KVN team "Zaporozhye - Krivoy Rog - Transit" and later created his own team, "Kvartal 95".
11. He became the champion of the KVN Major League in 1997 and later dissolved the team due to a conflict with Alexander Maslyakov.
12. Zelensky founded the company "Studio Kvartal-95" and became its director and owner.
13. He wrote scripts for corporate events and concerts and invested in the development of his company.
14. Zelensky created the comedy show "Evening Quarter" and acted in several films and TV series.
15. He was a host on various TV shows, including "Mr. Cook", "New Wave", and "Factor A".
16. Zelensky was a presenter on the TV show "Evening Kyiv" and created the political animated series "Fairytale Rus'".
17. He starred in the films "Love in the Big City", "The Three Musketeers", and "Casanova".
18. Zelensky was a participant in the show "Dancing with the Stars" and won the first season.
19. He created the film "I, You, He, She" and voiced cartoon characters in Ukrainian.
20. Zelensky announced his intention to run for president of Ukraine on January 1, 2019.
21. He won the presidential election with a population support rate of 73%.
22. Zelensky dissolved the Verkhovna Rada, invited the government to resign, and asked officials not to hang his portrait in their offices.
23. He established himself as a supporter of the fight against corruption and oligarchy.
24. Zelensky's annual salary as president is slightly more than $11,000.
25. His fortune was estimated at $25 million in January 2022.
26. He owns a 25% stake in Kvartal 95, which is now technically transferred to other business owners.
27. Zelensky's family owns cash, shares, cars, and jewelry worth about $3 million.
28. He owns real estate in Ukraine, including an apartment in Kyiv and a villa in Italy.
29. Zelensky's wife, Elena, owns an apartment in Kyiv and several non-residential premises.
30. The couple rents out hotel rooms in Georgia and apartments in the UK.