Donning an olive-gray t-shirt and a scruffy beard, Vlodymyr Zelenskyy looked more like an oil rig roustabout than the president of a fledgling democracy.
But as Zelenskyy appealed to the U.S. last month to carve a humanitarian no-fly zone over his besieged country and supply his troops with strategic weapons, it was his centeredness and steely spirit that brought congress to its feet.
As Passover approaches and the horrors of the Russian invasion ring clear and sharp, many wonder how this retired Jewish comedian-turned-leader maintains his composure. Turns out, his spiritual arsenal is not a secret at all. And it is one shared by more than two-thirds of American families.
Aside from his loving wife and children, Zelenskyy shares the companionship and inspiration of his pets. Shortly after New Years 2021, Zelenskyy posted a post-workout photo of himself and his pups on Instagram:
“Dumbbells are standing, Petya is asleep, Nora is yawning. This is how the first training session after the New Year looks like. Good morning, everyone,” Zelenskyy signed the photo. In those greetings, Zelenskyy marked 2021 as the 30 year anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and said that he wanted to talk “not about what was done, but about those who did.”
Few believed back then that Russian President Vladimir Putin, a modern-day Pharaoh of the Tundra, planned to further expand his claim on land lost after the Soviet empire crumbled in 1991. But on February 24, Putin’s amassed troops breached Ukraine’s borders and rumbled toward its capitol and warm-water ports just as a heart-hardened Ramses II pursued the freed Hebrew slaves through the desert almost 3,300 years ago.
How Zelenskyy has rallied his country and the world following Putin’s invasion is not lost on his followers. Learning that he has pets only cemented their admiration.
“Just when you think you can’t love him any more — he’s a dog lover, too,” posted Sandra Stone.
“As for me and my pup, we stand with Ukraine and @ZelenskyyUa,” tweeted Barbara Comstock of ABC News.
President Biden’s dogs have piled on as well. Greetings from The Oval Pawffice on February 27 read, “Just when we thought we knew all the good things about President @ZelynskyyUa and his impeccable character . . . . .”
The breed(s)/mix(es) of Zelenskyy’s dogs is unknown. Speculation has swirled that one is either a Blue Roan (English) Cocker Spaniel or a Schnauzer.
Pets of all types and breeds continue to live under Russian assault. Most have fled with their humans — now numbering in the millions — to neighboring countries. Some of those who were abandoned have been adopted by Ukrainian soldiers. Their supply lines cut, shelters and rescues cling desperately to life. World Central Kitchen is one source sited as benefitting refugees and their pets.
Next Friday at sundown, Zelenskyy and his family of flesh, bone and fur will imbibe in maror and charoset, the bitter-sweet flip-sides of bondage and freedom. Reclining, they will break and partake in shards of matzah.
But Zelenskyy and his family won’t be eating the unleavened bread because they’re on the run. The day after the invasion, the U.S. government implored Zelenskyy to evacuate Kyiv. His reported response: “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”