Zelensky clearly scarred by the war

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Jump in time from Easter 2022 to Easter this year: Photos by Volodymyr Zelensky (45) show the toll the war is taking on the Ukrainian president. The trauma of the war and the stress leave deep scars on Zelensky’s face. Especially in recent days, Selenski’s appearance has deteriorated significantly.

There is a lot of speculation about possible ailments and serious illnesses of Kremlin war leader Vladimir Putin (79). With performances that are staged and choreographed to perfection, Putin manages to dispel any doubts about his health.

His war opponent Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on the other hand, apparently no longer tries to come across as strong: in his latest video message, Zelenskiy does not shy away from a completely unvarnished appearance. Selenski’s performance shows the full ferocity of the war – and the traces the war also leaves on the Supreme Commander of Ukraine.

Battered and defeated

A year ago, two months after the outbreak of war, Selensky’s Easter congratulations showed the president confident, with a straight face, a groomed beard and a church altar gleaming in gold in the background.

Jump back in time to yesterday’s Easter Sunday. Selenski’s Easter message this year speaks of the “victory of evil”. Selenski expresses hope for peace within a year. He doesn’t exude the same self-confidence as he did last Easter.

A year ago, he also spoke of prayers “to make our great dream come true, so that great peace comes to Ukraine.” Zelensky has not given up faith. He also now assures that prayers for peace are being answered. But he seems exhausted and defeated. His face looks pained and swollen. Heavy bags hanging under the eyes. As if his face reflected what was happening in front.

Call from a bare room

Instead of a pompous, glowing backdrop like a year ago, Selenski recorded the Easter message in a room with no furniture and no windows. In a bare room with a cold light, the president seems to be encouraging himself and Ukraine.

In the bunkers of the presidential compound in Kiev, Zelensky can feel relatively safe. But frowning, with a beard and heavy bags under his eyes: with his latest video message, the president of Ukraine makes clear the devastating damage the ongoing war trauma and stress are inflicting on his body.

On social media, Ukrainian users are expressing surprise and dismay at their president’s poor appearance. In Russian networks, Zelensky’s unadorned performance is celebrated as a harbinger of Kiev’s defeat.

Source: Blick