Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine February 24, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been praised worldwide as a figurehead for bravery and leadership. He famously denied America’s offer to help him and his family evacuate from the terror-ridden cities of his country, to which he courageously responded, “I need ammunition, not a ride.”

Making his stature all the more remarkable is the fact that before Russia’s invasion, many people did not take him seriously. His former life as a comedian and actor with limited political experience often was cited by his detractors.

President Zelenskyy has stuck by his people in these times of turmoil, offering up his own life on the battlefield in hopes of saving his homeland and his people. In my opinion, this is the most honorable act of bravery that a leader can act upon during wartime.

He has even been a source of inspiration for Ukrainians fighting for their homeland, encouraging them to persevere through the turmoil and hold their ground against the Russians. From this war, inspiring stories of determination, bravery, courage, and resilience have come from the civilians and soldiers of Ukraine standing up to the invaders.

President Zelenskyy has truly been an inspiring figure in current events, and will be remembered in history books as such. The world would be a much better place if all diplomatic leaders of the world strived to be as loyal to their people with as honorable intentions as the Ukrainian president has for the past four weeks. He has done the right thing standing with his people and never have I seen such bravery from a world leader. Let us pray for peace in Ukraine and around the world.