President Volodymyr Zelensky is fighting a war on two fronts. On the first, he is leading his nation’s military defense against the Russian invasion. On the second, he is waging a relentless diplomatic battle against global apathy and fatigue.
His military reports are stark and grim, detailing drone attacks, hospital bombings, and damaged infrastructure. These updates are a constant reminder of the physical reality of the war and the courage of his soldiers and citizens.
His diplomatic statements, however, are where the battle against apathy is fought. His strategic praise of the Gaza peace deal, his constant refrain that “wars can be stopped,” and his vision of “peace through strength” are all weapons in this fight. They are designed to keep the world engaged, hopeful, and willing to act.
He masterfully links the two fronts. The horror of the military front (a bombed hospital) is used to justify the demands on the diplomatic front (the need for Patriot missiles). The success on the diplomatic front (the Gaza deal) is used to provide hope for the military front.
This two-front war requires immense skill and energy. Zelensky must simultaneously be a commander-in-chief reporting on casualties and a global statesman inspiring action, a dual role he has embraced as essential for Ukraine’s survival.
