KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently undertook a whirlwind, 36-hour trip across Europe, during which he opted for an unconventional method of communication with the media. For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy utilized a group chat on WhatsApp to respond to questions from journalists instead of holding a traditional press conference. This approach, while not entirely unprecedented, is incredibly rare for a world leader, highlighting the urgency and adaptability required in his role during these trying times.
As Zelenskyy flew between London and Brussels, he communicated his messages with a mix of fatigue and resolve. The low hum of the aircraft provided a backdrop for his hoarse voice as he clearly articulated Ukraine's stance on ongoing negotiations with Russia. He firmly stated that Ukraine cannot surrender any territories, emphasizing both the legal and moral implications of such a decision. “According to the law, we don’t have such a right—and to be frank, we don’t have a moral right either,” he asserted in a relatively unfiltered audio message late on a Monday evening.
Amidst shifting diplomatic landscapes, Zelenskyy's team embarked on a packed schedule aimed at strengthening support from European allies. During his trip, he met with the leaders of Britain, Germany, and France in London, as well as with representatives from NATO and the European Union in Brussels. His journey included visits to Rome, where he engaged in discussions with the Italian prime minister and Pope Leo XIV. A central topic of these discussions was the contentious issue of whether Ukraine should cede Russian-occupied territories in exchange for security guarantees, an aspect complicated by uncertainty surrounding the future of European security influenced by the Trump administration.
Having demonstrated a distinct proclivity for real-time communication since the onset of the war, Zelenskyy has made it a strategic priority to connect with both his citizens and the global community. Following Russia's invasion in 2022, he reassured Ukrainians through a now-iconic cellphone video addressing the nation and acknowledging the presence and resilience of troops and civilians alike. Throughout the conflict, he has maintained a demanding schedule of video messages, remote addresses to Western parliaments, and high-security public appearances, all of which underscore his commitment to transparent and continuous communication.
As his WhatsApp exchange concluded and his plane touched down in Brussels, Zelenskyy turned his attention back to the media, asking for feedback on this unique format of communication. "How did you like this format? If it works for you, then when we have the opportunity, we'll share our thoughts and decisions this way again,” he remarked, suggesting a willingness to adapt to the needs of the press in order to keep the dialogue surrounding Ukraine's situation alive.
