When asked by a journalist about how the war changed him, Zelensky first said that he “doesn’t know” and called on others to evaluate him. However, he later noted that he began to focus “only on serious things.”
“I don’t have the opportunity to communicate with friends, but communicate with partners, significant partners. You understand what I mean. Now I don’t have time for friends and friendship. I don’t know… I’ve become older, more stable,” the president said.
European leaders, who also spoke with reporters, said Zelensky had become wiser. According to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, the head of the Ukrainian state showed what leadership is.
“Come on, Alex,” Zelensky replied.
Context
In connection with the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the aggressor country of the Russian Federation, on February 24, the leaders of the European Union arrived in Kyiv for a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” and the summit “Ukraine – Nordic and Baltic countries.” Among those who arrived were Stubb, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, heads of government of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Croatia, Sweden, ministers and other high-ranking guests.
