Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been named Time’s Person of the Year for 2022 as he continues to guide his nation towards Russian forces. The journal additionally honored “the spirit of Ukraine” of their annual recognition.
In an essay explaining the alternatives, Time Editor in Chief Edward Felsenthal stated that choosing Zelenskyy was the “most clear-cut in memory.”
“Whether the battle for Ukraine fills one with hope or with fear, Volodymyr Zelenskyy galvanized the world in a way we haven’t seen in decades,” he wrote.
Zelenskyy rapidly turned a logo of Ukraine’s resistance towards Russia shortly after Moscow launched its invasion in February. From talking on his Instagram account to pleading his nation’s case in entrance of lawmakers everywhere in the globe, the actor-turned-president has been “laser-focused on keeping the world’s eyes on Ukraine,” Felsenthal stated.
“Zelenskyy’s command of the weapons of the digital age meant that business leaders and politicians everywhere were forced to take notice and take a stand, whether they liked it or not,” he stated.
Felsenthal stated the spirit of Ukraine was embodied by individuals who helped assist humanitarian efforts within the nation throughout the battle.
“For proving that courage can be as contagious as fear, for stirring people and nations to come together in defense of freedom, for reminding the world of the fragility of democracy—and of peace—Volodymyr Zelensky and the spirit of Ukraine are TIME’s 2022 Person of the Year,” Felsenthal stated.
Time has named an individual of the yr since 1927. Other nominees for the journal’s honor this yr included Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Supreme Court, Rep. Liz Chaney, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and final yr’s winner, Tesla CEO Elon Musk.