Swapping ties for military style, growing a beard, and sporting glasses: how Zelensky has transformed during his presidency.

Since 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky has captured global attention, transitioning from a talented comedian with no prior political experience to the President of Ukraine. His presidency has coincided with the gravest challenge — a brutal war with Russia. Over the years in office, he has undergone significant changes in appearance, which have made him look more masculine and stern, fitting for a leader of a nation fighting for its independence.

"Telegraph" has reported on how Volodymyr Zelensky's style and demeanor have evolved, as he celebrates his 47th birthday today, January 25. By May 2025, it will mark six years since he took office as President of Ukraine.

How Volodymyr Zelensky Came to Power

Before 2019, a pivotal year in his life, Volodymyr Zelensky developed his career as a comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer. He participated in numerous projects where he often achieved high rankings. However, his most significant venture was the "Kvartal 95" studio, where he invested his heart and frequently poked fun at Ukrainian officials on stage.

Rumors about Volodymyr Zelensky's participation in the presidential race began circulating after the release of the series "Servant of the People," in which he portrayed an ordinary teacher who becomes the head of state and starts to eradicate corruption. Along with the show's rising ratings, Zelensky's personal popularity among the public also grew.

In early 2019, Zelensky officially announced his candidacy for the elections, receiving 30% of the votes in the first round held on March 31. In the second round, he achieved a landslide victory, garnering 73% of the votes against 24% for Petro Poroshenko.

On May 20, 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky was inaugurated in the Ukrainian parliament, where he declared the dissolution of the eighth convocation of parliament.

How Volodymyr Zelensky Has Changed as President

Upon becoming the head of state, Volodymyr Zelensky altered his style, often appearing in elegant business suits, with a well-groomed, clean-shaven face, and his signature smile. However, after February 24, a turning point for our country, the appearance of Ukraine's president underwent a transformation.

In his business attire, Zelensky last appeared before the Ukrainian people on February 23, 2022, just hours before the onset of a full-scale war with Russia. Since then, instead of pressed suits and ties, he has opted for khaki clothing, occasionally donning black t-shirts or sweatshirts adorned with Ukrainian symbols.

His appearance suggests that Zelensky is getting little sleep, as his eyes look tired, and he has developed stubble instead of a clean-shaven chin. Furthermore, he has encountered vision problems, which have led him to wear glasses.

Zelensky made his first public appearance in glasses during a working trip to the Netherlands while signing documents. "I lost my vision, physically. Conversely, I feel that I see the people. We worked a lot; there wasn’t full light," the head of state confessed.

Volodymyr Zelensky's ever-present smile has been replaced by a serious and contemplative gaze. Even his wife, Olena, noted that since the war began, her husband has practically stopped smiling. However, through his actions and decisions on the front lines, Zelensky demonstrates that he has become more resilient and determined, channeling his anger and steadfastness into bringing our victory closer.

Regardless of the changes in his appearance, Volodymyr Zelensky remains one of the most influential politicians in Europe, having earned the respect of the entire world for uniting an international coalition around Ukraine and showcasing the unwavering spirit of our people.

"Telegraph" previously reported on how Zelensky looked during his KVN days and at the start of his television career, when he experimented with various hairstyles, mustaches, and beards.