Section: US & Canada
Much Yet to Do: EU Urges New Ukraine Leader to Push Reforms
The European Union delivered formal congratulations to Ukraine’s novice president-elect on Monday but made clear it expects TV comic Volodymyr Zelenskiy to pursue halting reforms, including fighting corruption. In a joint letter as Zelenskiy’s landslide victory over President Petro Poroshenko was confirmed, European Council President...
Ukrainian Voters Elect an Untested Comedian to Be President, Rebuking the Post-Soviet Political Establishment
KYIV, Ukraine—Comedian and political dark horse Volodymyr Zelensky won Ukraine’s presidential election by a landslide on Sunday, dealing a blunt rebuke to the country’s post-Soviet political establishment. “I promise I will never let any of you down,” Zelensky said during a Sunday night victory speech. Sunday’s runoff election...
Will China Drive a Wedge Between the US and Europe?
Europe finally seems to be waking up to the fact that is has been the object of China’s extended “western strategy” for the past two decades. In Brussels, there is an emerging awareness that the flow of Chinese money into Europe has positioned Beijing to shape the Continent’s economic landscape and influence its politics. But one...
New Ukrainian leader’s campaign took page from sitcom script
MOSCOW — The president-elect of Ukraine does not have a political record that foreign governments and companies can search for clues. For now, a 51-episode TV sitcom might offer the clearest view of what kind of leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy will be. Zelenskiy, a career comedian, foretold his future when he took the starring role in “Servant...
Who’s Laughing Now in Ukraine?
Not Volodymyr Zelensky, the incoming comedian president, who must quickly face the “Putin test.” …read more Source: Foreign...
Why Did Ukrainians Just Elect a Comedian President?
“He managed to be many things to many people at the same time,” one journalist and political commentator tells me. “I’ve met him,” said one NGO official and election observer. “He’s very smart, but he’s had to assemble a team of people to help him get this far.” We’re speaking in Ukraine, where comic actor Volodymyr...
As Ukraine Elects A Comedian, Russian Officials Declare Its Election A Joke
Outgoing Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko has been a favorite bête noire for Russian state media. His defeat prompted celebration in Moscow’s TV studios and its corridors of power. …read more Source: Radio Free Europe / Radio...
New Ukrainian leader’s campaign had pages from sitcom script
The president-elect of Ukraine does not have a political record that foreign governments and companies can search for clues. For now, a 51-episode TV sitcom might offer the clearest view … Click to Continue » …read more Source: The Bellingham...
Comedian cruises to landslide victory in Ukraine
Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly to elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a comedian turned politician, to be their next president on Sunday. The victory is seen as a rebuke to entrenched political corruption and a persistent low standard of living. …read more Source: Christian Science...
Ukraine’s Pretend President Now Faces a Real Test
In his fight against corruption, Zelensky will face real challenges—not least from his own constituents. …read more Source: Foreign...
