Volodymyr Zelenskyy Biography
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become one of the world’s most talked-about leaders, not just for his bold political stance but also for his unlikely journey from the entertainment stage to the battlefield of global diplomacy. Here’s a closer look at the life of Ukraine’s President.
Age
He was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union).
Family
He comes from an educated Jewish-Ukrainian family. His father, Oleksandr Zelenskyy, is a professor of cybernetics, and his mother, Rymma Zelenska, is an engineer. Their strong academic influence helped shape Zelenskyy’s early ambitions, though his path would later turn toward the creative arts.
Height
He is 5 feet 7 inches tall.
Marriage
Volodymyr is married to Olena Zelenska, a screenwriter and architect. They were high school classmates before falling in love. The couple tied the knot in 2003 and have since become Ukraine’s most visible and admired power couple.
Children
The Zelenskyys are proud parents of two children: Oleksandra, born in 2004, and Kyrylo, born in 2013.
Education
Zelenskyy earned a law degree from the Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics. Although he trained as a lawyer, he never pursued a career in the profession; comedy and performance quickly became his true calling.
Career
Before politics, Zelenskyy was a household name in Ukrainian entertainment:
- Founded Kvartal 95, a comedy and film production company
- Starred in the popular TV show “Servant of the People”, where he ironically played a teacher-turned-president
That TV show would soon become real life. In 2019, Zelenskyy ran for president under a political party of the same name and won by a landslide, earning over 70% of the vote. His presidency became globally significant in 2022, when he led Ukraine through Russia’s full-scale invasion. His courage and communication style won international praise, turning him into a symbol of democratic resilience.
Salary
Despite his global stature, Zelenskyy’s annual presidential salary is modest by international standards about $12,000 USD per year.
Net Worth
As of 2024, his estimated net worth is around $1–2 million USD. Most of this wealth was earned from his entertainment ventures, not politics. Zelenskyy has reportedly used much of his resources and influence to support humanitarian and military efforts during the war.