A Message from Ukraine: Speeches, 2019-2022 by Volodymyr Zelensky
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Web ID: 15435070Distills Ukrainian inspiration into 120 pages
Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine in 2022 sent shockwaves through the democratic world. It reminded many of how precarious open, free societies are. As time unfolded, Ukrainian resistance, led by their President Zelensky, proved more formidable than anyone could predict. Most of the free world united behind Ukraine as they fought back Russian gains kilometer by kilometer. Zelensky’s leadership has been admirable. It’ll likely be studied by generations after his time passes, much like Churchill’s and Roosevelt’s speeches about World War II are today. This text contains a brief sampling of 16 of his speeches and demonstrate that the Ukrainian soul, at least from its leadership’s eyes, values freedom and hope as much as any other human. The book separates Zelensky’s speeches into four groups: (1) Speeches after the Ukrainian revolution that brought him to power but before the full-scale Russian invasion, (2) those around the wide-scale invasion of February 24 (3) those related to international coalition building and (4) those during the first six months of full-blown war. He tries to make several cases at once. First, Ukrainians are involved in a noble war, not of their choosing. Second, in ideology and outlook, Ukrainians are more like Europeans and less like the Russian state. Third, Ukrainians are determined to recapture their territory. Finally, the Ukrainian people, even those from the Russian-speaking east, are united against the Russian state’s imperialism. When war first broke out, Western countries offered Zelensky a safe home, but Zelensky refused by pointedly saying, “I need ammo, not a ride.” This blunt, engaged leadership style was and is admired all over the world. In an era where politicians in democracies can seem more interested in power than virtue, he reminds us all of the stakes of a democracy – namely, human freedom. These inspirational and idealistic addresses seek to evoke the most out of humanity. Again, that’s why they’ll be studied all over the world for generations. In case you need more of a reason to buy this book, Zelensky’s portion of the proceeds will go towards Ukrainian efforts, not his own coffers. His intended audience is simply the democratic and freedom-loving world. An actor by profession, he leads with plain but eloquent words but with a wide range of allusions from world history. He shares a deep appreciation of the human condition and portrays no sense of entitlement. Frankly, western politicians and their political classes need to learn from him. Ukraine has certainly stirred my soul in the last year, and this book distills that in brief form. Your heart will be richer for having read it.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great Read
Great insight into the events currently taking place in Ukraine. A real eye opening realization to historic heroism that is the Ukrainian people.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com