Why it's a good thing Ukraine's president is a former actor, comedian and reality star

The Week

Volodymyr Zelensky went viral over the weekend with a 2006 clip of him competing on (and winning) the Ukrainian version of Dancing with the Stars. While some have derided Zelensky for having an entertainment background, "Zelensky's performative ability has been an asset to Ukraine" in countering Russia's invasion, says Peter Weber. As an actor, he know how to win over world-weary politicians. "Of course, he is an actor," communications consultant Yaryna Klyuchkovska tells BBC News. "I don't know whether it's his true persona or not. But whatever he's doing, it's working."