Caroline Kennedy (left), Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Photo: DNCC/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images
Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyis among the five recipients to be awarded with the JFK Profile in Courage Award this year. Though not in attendance at Sunday’s event, Zelenskyy — who remains in Ukraine while the Russian invasion of his country rages on — was honored Sunday night, withCaroline Kennedydelivering remarks about his courage and bravery.
The daughter of late PresidentJohn F. Kennedysaid Zelenskyy had “inspired the world,” making him one of the few international officials to be given the annual award.
“In a few exceptional cases when their political courage has inspired the world, we have given the Profile in Courage Award to an international elected official—and tonight is one of those,” Kennedy, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2013 until 2017 and was recentlyconfirmed as U.S. ambassadorto Australia, said at the Sunday evening ceremony. “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is doing the impossible every day.”
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Ukraine to the United States Yaroslav Brisiuck was on hand to accept the award on Zelenskyy’s behalf.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty
Zelenskyy, 44, has became an overnight wartime hero to many in recent weeks and months, as Russia invaded Ukraine.
His selfie videos from the capital,vowing to continue the fight, quickly went viral. As did his rebuff of a U.S. offer to evacuate him from danger, when he declared, “I need ammunition, not a ride.”
Prior to taking office in May 2019, Zelenskyy was known for doing comedy sketches, serving as a producer and starring in movies.
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Now, though, he’s more well-known for being the face of Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion.
Speaking toTimein April, Zelenskyy — who hastwo children, 17-year-old Oleksandra and 9-year-old Kyrylo, with Ukrainian First LadyOlena Zelenska— acknowledged that he has become a “symbol,” adding that the attention is why he has been so steadfast about remaining in the country.
“You understand that they’re watching,” he tells the outlet. “You’re a symbol. You need to act the way the head of state must act.”
Meanwhile, Russia’sattack on Ukrainecontinues after their forces launched their large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
With NATO forces amassed in the region, various countries are offering aid or military support to the resistance. Zelenskyy has called for peace talks — so far unsuccessful — while urging his country to fight back.
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists Ukraine has historic ties to Russia and he is acting in the best security interests of his country. Zelenskyy vowed not to bend.
“Nobody is going to break us, we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians,“he told the European Unionin a speech in the early days of the fighting, adding, “Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.”
source: people.com
