The start of the Ukrainian invasion by Russia was a little over a month ago. The invasion continues as the nation calls for help.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv. Photos were taken of Zelenskyy by his office as he viewed the destruction and death in the town.
When compared to photos taken just before the war, the difference in the 44-year-old Ukrainian leader is striking.
These photos were taken 41 days apart by the president\u2019s photographer. The first one on the 23rd of February, the last day of peaceful Ukraine. The second one in Bucha today.pic.twitter.com/kfPU723gw1— Katya Gorchinskaya (@Katya Gorchinskaya) 1649087499
The tweet above compared two photos taken by the Ukrainian presidential office. The first image showed Zelenskyy the day before the invasion, clean cut and addressing his nation in a suit.
The second image showed Zelenskyy in Bucha, 41 days later. He’s wearing an army jacket and bulletproof vest and his beard has grown out. Stress lines are etched into his face and bags under his eyes show the concern and worry for his nation.
It’s a depressing transformation to see.
A roadmap of leadership, and grief.https://twitter.com/kgorchinskaya/status/1511008603964071937\u00a0\u2026— Connie Schultz (@Connie Schultz) 1649161789
It\u2019s so awful I think he\u2019s doing an an amazing job though— Nickajackman (@Nickajackman) 1649184291
These pictures makes me cry, his painful face, it shocked me to see it today. The horror he saw, you can't explain. So much pain and sadness. It's heartbreaking He loves is country, his people, he has a good heart, he always had one goal...peace— Havi (@Havi) 1649090403
After just seeing some of those pictures today I am forever changed. I could not fathom seeing these things first hand and dwelling on that helpless feeling.\n\nMay the Gods bless and protect this man all of his days.https://twitter.com/kgorchinskaya/status/1511008603964071937\u00a0\u2026— stormkrow\ud83c\udf3b (@stormkrow\ud83c\udf3b) 1649090630
The love/heartbreak for a nation and a very real threat to life. One of the strongest, most resilient leaders of our time. He exposes himself to danger to rally his country. #StandWithUkraine\ufe0fhttps://twitter.com/kgorchinskaya/status/1511008603964071937\u00a0\u2026— Chris Ryan MM \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Chris Ryan MM \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1649144039
Zelenskyy was visiting Bucha after a Russian attack on civilians.
The President accused Russia of committing war crimes and called for more pressure over their actions.
He told reporters:
“It's very difficult to talk. It's very difficult to negotiate when you see what they did here.”
“Every day we find people in barrels, cellars and everywhere else, some strangled, some clearly tortured.”
Zelenskyy has the unbearable stress of leadership under untenable conditions.
Here\u2019s a leader who actually fights for his people.https://twitter.com/kgorchinskaya/status/1511008603964071937\u00a0\u2026— Australian News (@Australian News) 1649122906
I\u2019m going to give this gentleman an \u201cA\u201d for his leadership skills. A ordinary man facing extraordinary adversity is how heroes are made.https://www.insider.com/zelenskyy-ukraine-photos-russia-invasion-2022-4\u00a0\u2026— Robert Young Pelton (@Robert Young Pelton) 1649124393
The Ukrainian president will be fine trust in him he\u2019s a real warrior for his people of Ukraine— John Hunter (@John Hunter) 1649110928
Perhaps the best leader in the world right now— S\u039eRGI\u2b55\ufe0f\ud83d\udfe2 (@S\u039eRGI\u2b55\ufe0f\ud83d\udfe2) 1649105136
Good man. Respect. https://twitter.com/kgorchinskaya/status/1511008603964071937\u00a0\u2026— FreeSpirited \ud83c\udff3\ud83c\udf08\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6\u270c (@FreeSpirited \ud83c\udff3\ud83c\udf08\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6\u270c) 1649163638
What a price Zelensky has paid\u2026BUT what an incredible job he\u2019s done.https://twitter.com/kgorchinskaya/status/1511008603964071937\u00a0\u2026— Linda Lehman (@Linda Lehman) 1649128010
Studies have suggested the pressure from leadership physically ages people.
Many notice Presidents have grayer hair leaving office than when they went in.
Either way, the harrowing look on Zelenskyy’s face as his nation is attacked by a world superpower shows the pain and stress of leading a nation.
@priscillachan/Instagram