82+ Volodymyr Zelenskyy Quotes on Leadership and Change: Making a Difference in Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky is the current president of Ukraine, a man who transitioned from a successful career as a comedian and actor to politics. His unique journey to leadership and his candid, often humorous, approach to serious issues makes him a figure of interest. Reading his quotes can provide not only a fresh perspective on global politics, but also a glimpse into his unconventional style of leadership. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Volodymyr Zelenskyy on war, politics, comedy.

Top 10 Volodymyr Zelenskyy Quotes

1. The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.
2. I respect Israel as hugely special, especially given all the sensitivities around it. The Jews managed to build a country, to elevate it, without anything except people and brains.
3. Please, please stop saying that Ukraine is a corrupt country, because from now, it's not true. We want to change this image.
4. Chernobyl has been a negative part of Ukraine's brand. The time has come to change this.
5. There will definitely be a tribunal for this crime [attack on peaceful Ukrainian Cities]. Internationally. This is a violation of all conventions.
6. There is nothing that could possibly explain why the kindergartens and civilian infrastructure are being shelled.
7. We must become Icelanders in soccer, Israelis in defending our land, Japanese in technology.
8. We have waited 30 years for this. Today [28 February 2022], I signed the request for membership in the European Union.
9. All the money I have, I made with my talent.
10. We as a country have something to learn from Israel, especially in the areas of security and defense, and we will of course be doing that.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Short Quotes

• Ruscism respects neither state borders nor human values.
• To all the countries of the former Soviet Union: look at us, everything is possible.
• We Ukrainians are a peaceful nation. But if we remain silent today, we will be gone tomorrow!
• Faith is something we never discuss at the dinner table in my family, but I do believe in God.
• No one in the world will forgive you [Vladimir Putin] for killing peaceful Ukrainian people.
• I'm the type of person who responds to facts.
• I don't want to interfere in U.S. elections.
• It's a victory when the weapons fall silent and people speak up.
• I want to do something to change the mistrust towards politicians.
• Peaceful cities. Peaceful residential areas. No military facilities.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Quotes About War

This is not just Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is the beginning of a war against Europe, against European structures, against democracy, against basic human rights, against a global order of law, rules and peaceful coexistence. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The Ukrainian nation, as no other nation, understands and is fully aware of the tragedy and its scale of all the lost lives of the Ukrainian Jews during the Second World War. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I will not agree to go to war in the Donbass. I know there are a lot of hotheads, especially those who hold rallies and say, 'Let's go fight and win it all back!' But at what price? What is the cost? It's another story of lives and land. And I won't do it. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

If there is no Ukrainian strong army, there will be no Ukraine, and that will be the case when everyone will understand... it's not the war in Ukraine, it's the war in Europe. We are defending our country, our land. We are not attacking anyone, because that is immoral. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukraine and Israel have long-standing historical ties. Our nations have together experienced all the tragedies in recent history - the Holodomor and the Holocaust, the Second World War, and the totalitarian Soviet regime. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Quotes About Ukraine

Stop the enemy wherever you see it. The fate of Ukraine depends only on Ukrainians. No one but ourselves will control our lives. We are on our land. The truth is on our side. It will not be possible to destroy our character. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

If they [the US] see Ukraine in NATO, they have to say it directly, and do it. Not words. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Honoring the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, in which more than two million Ukrainian Jews died, Ukraine calls on Israel to also recognize the Holodomor as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Now the fate of the country depends entirely on our army, on our heroes, our security forces, all our defenders. And on our people, your wisdom and the great support of all friends of our country. Glory to Ukraine! — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Olena and I are grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge that at this crucial time when Ukraine is courageously opposing Russia’s invasion, they stand by our country and support our brave citizens. Good will triumph. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We are all here, defending our independence, our country. And it will stay that way. Glory to the men and women defending us. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

This night will be very difficult, and the enemy will use all available forces to break the resistance of Ukrainians, the fate of Ukraine is being decided right now. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The fate of Ukraine is being decided right now. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Our weapons are our truth, and our truth lies in the fact that this is our land, this is our country, our children, and we are going to defend all of this... Glory to Ukraine! — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I'm sure that in the future, every part of the world will recognize that Holodomor is a huge tragedy for Ukraine, and was actually the destruction of Ukrainian people. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Quotes About Russia

Talked to President of the European Commission. Informed about the aggressor’s nuclear terrorism. Preventing it is our common task. Discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia. The issue of membership in the EU was also on the agenda. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The dialogue with financial partners continues – I talked with Chairman of the World Bank Group. The World Bank is ready to effectively and powerfully support. This is important for overcoming the effects of Russian aggression. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainians have manifested the courage to defend their homeland and save Europe and its values from a Russian onslaught. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Had a conversation with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Informed about the counteraction to the ongoing Russian aggression. Some topical issues of cooperation were discussed. The support of partners is important. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Honestly, Russia should want it, to give our territory, our land back to us. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Continued dialogue with. Our common task is to secure critical production & infrastructure. Discussed ways to implement it, as well as the increase of sanctions against Russia. Raised the issue of membership in the EU. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Famous Quotes And Sayings

Today, at the initiative of the Russian, the first round of talks between Ukraine and Russia took place. These talks took place while our territory and cities were being bombed, being shelled. We could see the synchronization of the shelling with the negotiation process. I believe that in this unsophisticated way Russia is trying to put pressure. Don’t waste time. We do not accept such tactics. Fair negotiations can happen when one side does not hit the other side with rocket artillery at the moment of negotiations. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We shall defend our land, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight in the woods, in the fields, on the beaches, in the cities and villages, in the streets, we shall fight in the hills... we shall fight on the spoil tips, on the banks of the Kalmius and the Dnieper. And we shall not surrender. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Our military, our national guard, our national police, our territory defense, special service, nationals of Ukraine, please carry on. We will win. Glory to Ukraine. We are successfully holding back the enemy’s attacks. We know we are defending our land and the future of our children. Kyiv and the key areas are controlled by our army. The occupiers wanted to set up their puppet in our capital. They didn’t succeed. On our streets, there was a proper fight going on. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Held regular talks with President. Grateful for the consistent support. Informed about the ongoing aggression and nuclear terrorism on the part of the Russian Federation. We must achieve an end to hostilities. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

To the world: what is the point of saying «never again» for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar? At least 5 killed. History repeating… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Let's find those people whose names do not cause controversy in our present and in our future. Let's name the monuments and streets for those people whose names do not provoke conflict. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

My election only proves that the citizens are tired of the experienced politicians who over the past 28 years created a country of opportunities - opportunities to steal, bribe and loot. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We should show Chernobyl to the world: scientists, environmental specialists, historians and tourists. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

What is Russia doing now? It is trying to set a precedent. If it manages to break the statehood of the neighboring nation, other states will do the same. What is Ukraine doing now with its partners? Trying to set another precedent. So that all the aggressors in the world once and for all see that the war will create the biggest problems for them -- for the aggressors. So that they know that the hatred they spread against ordinary people like you and me, against other nations, will strike first and foremost at themselves when the free world refuses to deal with those who spread such hatred. This is a very transparent process of struggle. And everyone chooses a role in it. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

When any tyrant hates America and denies its exceptional role in the struggle for freedom, he recognizes his own inevitable defeat. To Russian tyranny I say the world needs more, not less, American exceptionalism. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

People don't really believe in words. Or rather, people believe in words only for a stretch of time. Then they start to look for action. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

This night will be very difficult, and the enemy will use all available forces to break the resistance of Ukrainians. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I know that a lot of misinformation and rumors are being spread now. In particular, it is claimed that I have left Kyiv. I remain in the capital, I am staying with my people. My family is not a traitor, but a citizen of Ukraine. According to our information, the enemy marked me as the number one target. My family is the number two goal. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the Head of State. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Today, I asked the twenty-seven leaders of Europe whether Ukraine will be in NATO. I asked directly. Everyone is afraid. They do not answer. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

In my previous profession, when I was a producer, scriptwriter and actor, I wanted to get an Oscar, I wanted to be popular in the U.S.A. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I ask them; Are you with us? They answer that they are with us. But they are not ready to take us to the alliance. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and the lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces. Not our backs, but our faces. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I think everybody in Ukraine is so tired about Burisma. We have our own country. We have our independence, we have our problems and questions. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

There was no pressure or blackmail from the U.S. I had no idea the military aid was held up. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I am not a politician. I am just a simple person who has come to break down this system. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Chernobyl is a unique place on the planet, where nature revives after a world-wide man-made disaster, where there is a real 'ghost town.' — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I am a person who works to deadlines. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

This morning we are defending our state alone, as we did yesterday. The world’s most powerful forces are watching from afar. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Held negotiations with IMF Executive Director. Discussed financial support. Grateful for the urgent help already provided by the Fund. The IMF must take the lead in financing the recovery. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Politics is not an exact science. That's why in school I loved mathematics. Everything in mathematics was clear to me. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Let's build a country of opportunities, where everybody is equal before the law and where the rules of the game are honest and transparent, and the same for everyone. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We are very proud of the fact that we have such a low level of anti-Semitism - such a low level of anti-Semitism in independent Ukraine, which started its life in 1991. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Why is Poroshenko going for a second term? So that he doesn't get a first. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The president can't change the country on his own. But what can he do? He can give an example. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

For Ukrainians, the most horrible iron is not missiles and tanks, but shackles. Not trenches, but fetter. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I do not try to play a role. I feel good being myself and saying what I think. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Just had a conversation with. The American leadership on anti-Russian sanctions and defense assistance to Ukraine was discussed. We must stop the aggressor as soon as possible. Thank you for your support! — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Our main goal is to finish this slaughter. The enemy losses are very grave — today there were hundreds of killed soldiers who crossed our border and came on our land. Unfortunately, we also suffer losses. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We have won our rights to be with everyone in Europe. On equal terms. The request has already been delivered to Brussels and officially registered. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

I would never want Ukraine to be a piece on the map, on the chessboard of big global players, so that someone could toss us around, use us as cover, as part of some bargain. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

When Ukrainians and Israelis speak to each other, each side respects the other. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

How can I be a Nazi? Explain it to my grandfather, who went through the entire war in the infantry of the Soviet army, and died a colonel in an independent Ukraine. You are being told we hate Russian culture? How can someone hate culture? Any culture? Neighbors always enrich one another culturally, but that does not make them one, does not dissolve us in you. We are different. But it is not a reason to be enemies. We want to determine our history by ourselves. In peace, calm and honesty. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Dozen of witness records prove that this is not a single false volley, but the deliberate destruction of the people. The Russian knew what they were shooting. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We will build the country of opportunities, one where all are equal before the law and where all the rules are honest and transparent, the same for everyone. And for that, we need people in power who will serve the people. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Tonight they started bombing residential areas of the hero city of Kyiv. It all reminds me of 1941. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Life Lessons by Volodymyr Zelenskyy

1. From President Zelensky, we learn that the power of sincerity and authenticity can be a remarkable force for leadership, reminding us that genuine connections can be more persuasive than polished political rhetoric.
2. Zelensky's career trajectory from a comedian to a president teaches us that unconventional paths can lead to profound impact, and that versatility and adaptability are often the keys to unexpected success.
3. His unwavering commitment to his country, even in the face of extreme adversity, imparts the lesson that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to persist in spite of it.