Full Breakdown
A Decade After "Servant of the People": The Evolution of Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Presidency
12/11/2025, 2:09:34 AM
The Rise of Volodymyr Zelenskiy Through Television
Ten years have passed since the premiere of "Servant of the People," a television series that significantly influenced Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s ascent to the presidency of Ukraine. The show, which aired from November 2015 to March 2019, depicted a fictional history teacher, Vasyl Holoborodko, who unexpectedly becomes the president. It resonated with 73% of the electorate, who later voted for Zelenskiy in the 2019 presidential runoff. However, the series notably omitted the looming threat from Russia, focusing instead on domestic issues like corruption and political mismanagement.
Absence of the Russian Threat
"Servant of the People" addressed various contemporary issues in Ukraine, including endemic corruption and the aspirations for European Union membership, yet it conspicuously ignored the ongoing conflict with Russia, which escalated with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the war in the Donbas region. The series portrayed oligarchs as the main antagonists, while the Russian government was treated lightly, with Vladimir Putin’s name mentioned only sporadically.
From Fiction to Reality: The Presidency of Zelenskiy
Upon taking office, Zelenskiy’s administration mirrored some elements of his fictional counterpart, particularly in his approach to governance. His inner circle consisted largely of friends and associates from his entertainment career, lacking substantial political experience. This dynamic has led to significant controversies, including a recent law that undermined the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Attorney General’s Office (SAPO). This move sparked protests and criticism from European allies.
Criticism and Opposition to Zelenskiy’s Governance
Critics argue that Zelenskiy’s presidency has not lived up to the ideals presented in "Servant of the People." Political scientist Bogdan Kucher, who voted for Zelenskiy in 2019, expressed disappointment, stating that the current reality of Ukraine is vastly different from the optimistic portrayal in the series. Many former supporters now question their choices, reflecting on the ongoing war and economic hardships faced by the country.
Official Statements & Responses
Zelenskiy’s administration has faced backlash for its handling of anti-corruption efforts, particularly after NABU and SAPO exposed corruption within his inner circle. The president’s response has been to maintain a focus on diplomatic solutions to the conflict with Russia, a stance he held until the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Critics, however, highlight a disconnect between his promises and the realities of governance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What remains, in his view, of the Ukraine depicted in Servant of the People?” — Bogdan Kucher, Political Scientist
- “Ambiguity was his main political weapon, the officer believes: “The main success of Servant of the People lies in Zelenskiy’s personal image.” — Bogdan Kucher, Political Scientist
- “it has been more of the same, and on top of that, we have a war.” — Olena Lifenko, State Energy Company Employee
Conclusion: The Legacy of "Servant of the People"
As Ukraine grapples with the ongoing conflict and internal challenges, the legacy of "Servant of the People" serves as a poignant reminder of the gap between political ideals and the complexities of real governance. Zelenskiy’s journey from a fictional president to a real leader continues to evoke mixed feelings among the populace, reflecting the evolving narrative of Ukraine’s political landscape.
