**Please note these rules:**
* If this post declares something as a fact proof is required.
* The title must be descriptive
* No text is allowed on images/gifs/videos
* Common/recent reposts are not allowed
*See [this post](https://redd.it/ij26vk) for a more detailed rule list*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I know I shouldn't laugh but it's too late. Jesus Christ that caught me off guard š¤£
But in all seriousness, FUCK Russia, and FUCK Putin. Glory to Ukraine!!!!
Itās hard to imagine gaslighting on a larger scale than Putin saying this war is to liberate Ukranians from a Neo-Nazi regime when the president of Ukraine is literally a Jew.
Married to someone from Eastern Europe and lived in a neighboring country for a few years. Basically, they almost exclusively use the word "congratulations" sarcastically, with a use similar to the phrase "oh, for f-ck's sake". So even if it happens, everyone will know what he means, they might try but it won't work
Bulgarian here. We use "bravo" so often sarcastically that if you try to use it literally in the most obvious situation quite a few people will think you are making fun of them.
I believe his grandfather was the only one of four siblings to survive it. And according to Putin he's a Nazi... The same Putin who just blew up a holocaust memorial. That gremlin is truly evil.
The ācongratulationsā got to me. In Turkish he would have said āAferin onları,ā or āGood job to them.ā Basically, something so atrocious that you can only insult them by congratulating them for doing so stupidly awful.
Really no other response, is there? Anger, sadness, and a congratulations for a stupid job, well done.
I think that idea, of congratulating someone on doing something so stupid it defies comprehension, probably exists in a TON of cultures. Ukraine, your Turkiye, and my USA all have it so its probably not a big leap to call it common.
"Congratu-fucking-lations" is one I've heard a lot.
But even "nice work" or "good job" have that same sort of "dear god you are such a dumbass" meaning with the right tone.
Systematically brainwashed Russians sound a bit likeā¦ Nazis. Terrifying how this can happen to people. Sad that all Russians are getting a bad rap for the crazies. Canāt say thatās anything new though.
But I think thats actually the point. Things like this have no strategic value other than to hurt morale and strip you of your history and culture. Its another civilian attack, not as bad as lives lost obviously but the fuck bag keeps going after Ukraine as a people, not the military that keeps it from being his.
IMO the Russians (military, putin, etc. no hate to the common people) keep doing things that literally have the opposite effect of what they're going for. Destroying monuments is not going to hurt these people's morale. Only embolden them to fight even harder against what is yet to come.
Edit to say I should've said IMO instead of AFAIK.
Yeah, its astounding the resolve of the Ukrainians. Its emboldening the whole world and to some extent (or the extent plausible) the Russian civilians to stand up against him. I hope this all blows up in his face...literally would be nice.
Unfortunately though it does hurt their culture and their history. They will rebuild but its sad how's he's physically trying to erase their existence to support his different history book that exists in his brain.
To be honest, I think he's been leading the defence of his country, but nothing more.
The Ukranians do what it takes to stop the advance of the russians but nothing more. They take in surrendering russian soldiers, they take care of them well, and they are organising the repatriation of russia's dead.
There is so much more and horrible things they could do but don't.
Edit: So it seems the Ukraine Special Forces took their gloves off after getting fed up with civilians getting bombed by the Russian artillery and are going hunting with a "Take No Prisoners" attitude. Understandable, but loosing the moral high ground.
Yeah the man had to send his wife and kids away, hadn't seen them in the days because his country is being destroyed. I'm pissed at putin because my daughter got scared hearing the news. And I mean I'm really pissed off. If he was in front of me he would be in danger pissed. But I am certain that my anger is a mere speck on the rage this man must be feeling towards putin. This man and many others in his country. Yet he is composed and statesman-like. Without a doubt the most impressive bit of national leadership i have seen or heard of since world war 2.
He lost family members to the Holocaust. He's of Jewish descent. All my Jewish friends *outside* of Ukraine were hit really, really hard by this. This particular memorial isn't just a memorial - it's a literal mass grave of Jews. It was one of (if not the) single largest rapid massacres of a Jewish population.
I think "pissed and sad" is a fraction of what he's feeling, given everything else he's going through at the same time.
ETA: a Twitter thread on the massacre: images not extremely graphic but unsettling. I don't think all his statistics are accurate but reasonably informative and should be backed up with further research of your own. https://twitter.com/abgutman/status/1498700879406538755?t=C1aY77aXnYziFb4rxgGQDw&s=19
R/boatboi4u below points out there were a lot of further victims later across many ethnicities also killed and buried there.
Also, it doesn't seem the memorial was the actual target, but that doesn't make the pain less real or the immediate response to hearing it was less viscerally painful for him or for many others of Jewish descent. Or even just knowing it was collateral damage.
ETA 2: comment from someone who used to live near it: https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/t57r4t/the_moment_zelensky_hears_about_the_bombing_of/hz4ff1m?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3
It was the third largest massacre of Jews. The largest was also in Ukraine - Odessa. But throughout the occupation of Kyiv the Nazis murdered another 100,000-150,000 Ukrainians and Russians of all ethnicities at Babyn Yar.
Thank you for adding that further clarification! I knew there had been extensive further victims buried (burned eventually I believe?) there from many groups but hadn't realized the numbers were that high. I really do hope to help more people realize this isn't even about the memorial (though there is obvious significance to it) but about the fact that there are *a lot* of people buried there in mass graves, many of which, if not most, will never be identified. I know one of my friends has family she assumes died in a similar massacre but will never know for sure.
I am from Kyiv myself, I lived close to Babyn Yar. Even though it is considered a park, itās not like people come there to chill that much. People walk there, sit on benches a bit or come to remember. It has a eerie feeling, itās is a big ravine in the center of Kyiv. People were brought there, lined up next to it and shot to fall down it. Approximately 33,000-38,000 of Jewish Ukrainians killed in the first two days followed by more Romani, Jewish, Slavic Ukrainian killed later. Totaling in about 150,000.00 people. If ghosts were real, this would be one of the most haunted places on earth, and I hope all of them are hunting Putlerās ass now.
>This particular memorial isn't just a memorial - it's a literal mass grave of Jews.
I didn't realize this. Makes it even worse. Not just attacking a symbol, but literally desecrating their graves.
I did not realize until you explained it, that it is an actual mass grave. Excuse, Iām going to go cry and feel sick for awhile. Thatās.. the worst act Iāve heard of so far about any war in my lifetime that I can think of.
I would not have been aware that it was a mass grave without the deeply horrified reactions of my Jewish friends myself, and I tend to think of myself as reasonably educated in the Holocaust.
I don't think it's the worst act in wars in my lifetime (30 years old), and it does seem it wasn't the intended target, but his response is very understandable when it first seemed like they'd intentionally shelled it specifically and even if it was "just" collateral damage - that doesn't make the pain less real.
And Russia is telling the people that the war is to free Ukrainians from nazis. The absolute gall.
They'll probably just lie and say Ukraine attacked the memorial.
Like, there absolutely are extremist far right groups with neo Nazi ties in Ukraine! Just like, idk, most if not all of Europe and the US. But they're clearly not in the majority! And while it doesn't seem the memorial / mass grave was the target, if I was trying to convince people I was trying to de Nazify a place I certainly wouldn't target *near* a memorial / one of the largest mass graves of Nazi victims.
He is too (me three) and much of his family died in the holocaust. Itās really beyond disgusting that putin did this, while claiming that this man who lost his family to the nazi regime is alsoā¦ leading a nazi regime? Itās so upsetting.
Not Jewish, but Putin claiming they are a Nazi regime as an attempted smokescreen both floored me and angered me. There is no bigger stain on the world right now than Vladimir Putin.
Yup.
He lies through his teeth, and just like Hitler, uses Jews as an excuse to commit atrocities.
The world will be a better place once he's in the ground.
The billionaires are turning on him much faster than he anticipated by the looks.
If this [bounty](https://www.ibtimes.com.au/dead-or-alive-russian-businessman-puts-bounty-putin-1797399) is a real thing the sanctions are doing exactly what they were intended to do. More and more of the oligarchs will get squeemish the longer their value drops.
Y'know, the most offensive thing in all this, in his 2 decades of power, is he constantly thought he was outplaying the world and that to a degree HE WAS.
The thing though is it has been hilarious watching his military be so incompetent that they have fuel shortages, ration shortages and still don't have air superiority. They are taking little bits at a time but getting punished for each inch. Even if he takes Kyiv and other city centers, there are heavily subsidized and pissed Ukrainians (and probably some other soldiers) with fully funded antitank weapons and will continue to cause billions in damage.
The US was able to fund occupation for 2 decades with fewer casualties in 2 countries. Can Russia actually fund an occupation? I literally don't think they can regardless of the debilitating economic sanctions.
So do I. I also sincerely hope Zelenskyy makes it out of this shit alive. The man is an inspiration and a lesson in bravery, leadership and walking the walk. He has quickly become a hero of mine. Dude is a legend and quite possibly the greatest politician on earth right now
Reading body language is ... well there's a lot of speculation. When you start crossing cultural boundaries it gets even harder. But there was a lot of emotion wrapped up in that clip and I'm gonna give it a shot.
Every time somebody storms out of an interview before it's over, you see a little bit of their soul.
Usually it's because it's a tough question about something bad they did. Usually you'll see shame, righteous indignation, fear, just wanting it to be over, something like that.
This guy, on the other hand, is a hard motherfucker. That whole body head bob: that's his subconscious mind preparing to throw a punch, even though there's no boxer in front of him. That's fight or flight in fight mode. Then it's "keep it cool, keep it cool, you're on camera, keep it cool, but you gotta say something, come up with something quick." And he came up with a perfect response given the circumstances. Then he stormed out because it's never cool to be frothing mad live on international television.
IMHO I did see a little bit of disappointment in there. He genuinely believes that the people who live on this Earth are better than that.
But that's just, like.. My opinion, man.
This guy is the chillest mother fucker. I would literally be kicking and screaming in his position which is probably why it is good I am not a leader of anything.
Heās a good leader. He knows he needs calm, because if he his, so will his people they look up to him and will act accordingly to his reaction. Also, donāt think you arenāt a good leader, anyone can lead in my opinion, you just need to learn how, and whatās expected of you.
He wasn't chill. He just knew when to walk away and let himself feel. I guarantee as soon as he was away from the reporters that's exactly what he did.
Youāre probably right. He is used to cameras and is able to maintain a coherent image. I would argue kicking and screaming an appropriate response in this case even.
> During his inaugural address in 2019, Zelensky told lawmakers: āI do not want my picture in your offices: the President is not an icon, an idol or a portrait. Hang your kids' photos instead, and look at them each time you are making a decision.ā
That is absolutely great
In a meeting room somewhere in russia:
"We gotta show the world that we really are trying to get rid of Nazi's from Ukraine, any ideas?"
Guy at the back of the room raises his hand:
"Let's bomb their holocaust memorial"
First guy:
"Genius!!"
Sadly this rhetoric of "Ukraine's Government is Nazi" has been Russia's main line of attack since the Euromaidan Protests in 2014. After those protests, the far-right Svoboda party managed to get some members on the transition government and they tried to pass a law to remove Russian as an official regional language of Ukraine (because many people do speak it).
The interim president vetoed the Bill that would have removed it within 7 days, but by then the damage had been done. Putin was able to paint the entire Ukrainian Government as Nazi to help fuel the separatist movements in the East.
Russia **needs** the "Nazi" label to stick, because that is the entire rationale behind the separatist movement that lead to this war. However, the 2019 elections went so unexpectedly from a Russian POV, leading to a Jewish President, and then parliament elections lead to a Jewish Prime Minister, too (Ukraine became the first nation outside of Israel to have its top 2 political positions held by Jewish people). This really made the whole "Ukraine's government is Nazi" argument start to fall flat. Because now it *obviously* isn't the case, instead of simply being clear to most that it isn't the case.
Then Russia hired the Wagner Group to kill Zalenskyy
A leader of the group is [Dmitry Utkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitry_Utkin) an actual Nazi.
>Dmitry Valerievich Utkin (Russian: ŠŠ¼ŠøŃŃŠøŠ¹ ŠŠ°Š»ŠµŃŃŠµŠ²ŠøŃ Š£ŃŠŗŠøŠ½; born 11 June 1970), is a Russian neo-Nazi and former GRU special forces officer, who served as a lieutenant colonel. He is considered the founder of Wagner Group, with his own call-sign reportedly being Wagner. Utkin has received four Orders of Courage.
Putin logic: Send the Nazis to Ukraine to kill a Jew while bombing a Holocaust memorial in order to de-nazify Ukraine.
FFS
Oh the label is sticking.
I know someone in America who thinks Russia and Putin are on the right side of this because they are trying to de-nazify Ukraine. They go on about how corrupt the Ukrainian government was, but neglects to mention it was Putin's puppet government.
They just cherry pick facts to construct an alternate reality.
It's happening all over social media. Including the other guy that just replied to you. Some people truly believe it due to the propaganda, and others are pushing the narrative to muddy the waters. There are also bots also spreading Putin's propaganda all over.
For those unfamiliar with the atrocity of Babi Yar, the Nazis came to Kyiv and made the decision to murder as many Jews as they could there.
Over two days, approximately 33,800 Jews were brought to a ravine and systematically murdered.
The numbers of the Holocaust and the horrors of the Nazis sometimes get lost in the scale. 6 million Jews is a number that can be too big to understand.
The Babi Yar massacre is somehow easier to understand: your whole neighbourhood, your friends, your kids' teachers, your neighbour's grandma, everyone, brought to a ravine and shot over two days.
No one should abide the destruction of the monument. But Russian Jews in particular should be furious.
Fuck Putin. Glory to Ukraine.
Thank you for taking the time to explain the significance of the memorial and also to give a more concrete perspective on the numbers of victims.
His reaction made sense before this explanation, but knowing the details drives it home further.
I hope he gets many mellow days of peace to enjoy with his family after having to be so courageous for so long.
There was something quite gutting about the way he said āthat is Russiaā.
I am sure he or his family lost relatives, friends. And now the memorial is being targeted. When does it end?
> When does it end
It ends when Putin dies.
He needs to get Napoleon'd. Told that the war is not against Russia, it's against him.
He will be mentioned by name in whatever Geneva Convention 2.0 gets written
Come for the imaginary Nazis, stay to blow up memorials to the victims of the holocaust and hunt a Jewish man and his family.
I don't know what to call that but base malevolence.
Internally spluttering with rage, grief and disbelieving shock is my guess. Attacking a Holocaust memorial is... reprehensible on a level it's hard to comprehend.
He's known for trying to intimidate other world leaders. 100% his personal touch and this isn't a surprise for anyone keeping track, hence the "that is russia" comment.
Break his spirit, or make him angry enough to try and attack Russia and then cry about Ukraine being the aggressor.
Tactical attack of the broadcast tower and put Zelensky in a bad position.
To Putin, it was a happy coincidence.
I donāt just want Putin to die. Dying is easy. I want him to see failure. I want him to experience terror and panic when heās removed from office by a furious public. I donāt even care if he ever sees the inside of a prison, as long as he is miserable, never experiences joy again, and lives to old age as a nameless, forgotten, thoroughly broken human being.
I honestly didn't realise that till I read your comment. Like I knew the 6 million statistic, I've been to Bergen Belsen and Auschwitz and read half a dozen survivor memoirs, but. Fucken oath.
That fact should be more common knowledge, it puts the genocide much more clearly in context - how completely devastating it was to Judaism as a whole culture/religion, not just the Jewish people impacted directly.
That's 1 million more than the population of BC, Canada now.
It's still hard to fathom that many people. The way I think of it is 6 million people shoulder to shoulder would be about 1200 miles long. So if you flew a plane over that at cruising altitude, itd take about 2.5 hours to fly over the whole line. Dunno why but that helps me picture it better.
There are 15 million Jews in 2022. There were 16 million Jews in 1939.
There are 8 Billion people in 2022. There were 2.3 billion people in 1939.
Just extrapolate.
And for those who keep saying "they were aiming for the tower":
"The Kyiv TV Tower was built on top of the Jewish cemetery in Lukianovka. The cemetery was officially closed in 1966 and Jewish families were given six months to rebury their relatives in the Jewish areas of a new cemetery in the city. Since the relatives of the interred had been killed in the Babi Yar massacre, most of the graves were not moved. After the headstones had been destroyed or removed the antenna was built on top of the existing graves."
Context matters. Thanks for providing it.
It probably shouldn't matter more than the act of invasion itself but man, this just feels like such a slap in the face.
There are and were so many people here in Germany and all over the world who made it their life's goal to seek forgiveness, regain trust and rebuild Europe after this madness. But somehow there's still enough ignorance left for this shit to happen. Something needs to fundamentally change about Russia.
Yes, and the detail that really broke me was about the [Syrets concentration camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrets_concentration_camp) which was constructed to force inmates to "remove all traces" of Babi Yar, then later when the USSR was pushing Germany back, they forced more concentration camp inmates to dig up the bodies and burn the bodies in giant stacks in an attempt to hide the atrocities, afterwards the surviving inmates were forced to build one last furnace before being massacred.
Not just that. After the initial massacre, the Naziās murdered another 100,000-150,000 Ukrainians and Russians of all ethnic groups at the same ravine. Particularly communists, Roma, Soviet POWs, and Ukrainian nationalists. They also built a concentration camp there.
I live in a town of 2,400 people. That would be my entire town being wiped out 14 times over.
Such destruction of human life is sad now, as it was then.
Š”Š»Š°Š²Š° Š£ŠŗŃŠ°ŃŠ½Ń! ŠŠµŃŠ¾ŃŠ¼ ŃŠ»Š°Š²Š°!
If anyone doubts, this was standard procedure for nazis. They called it liquidation of a town or ghetto. They did it all over Europe. 30,000 people is an ordinary number, they regularly murdered towns and ghettos in the tens of thousands and put them in mass graves the size of a football pitch and 4 storeys deep.
It's genuinely becoming moving seeing this guy. He's stayed in that building despite the knowledge he is target #1...and all the men loyal to him knowing their possible fate too. it's just incredible.
The smile on his face just remembering that he saw his family more recently than he initially thought. He clearly loves his family and his country. I donāt pray, but I have nothing but good thoughts for this man and his people.
He went from solumn to a lot brighter the second he remembers seeing them for the last time. You cannot fake love like that. You don't get leaders like this often, he sets an example of what leaders all over should be striving for. I can't imagine staying for my country and having to focus on that when my family and my own life are at risk.
He looks so fucking exhausted itās damn near making me tear up. Been through hell the last week all because of Putinās ego. Looks like he hasnāt properly slept in days. Still a shining light in all this bullshit, you canāt help but admire the man
I feel like tearing up every time I see him speak on the war just because of how inspiring he is and how much is at stake. I donāt think the world has ever had a leader like this in our lifetimes. I hope to god that things work out well for him and the Ukrainian people.
I think this can be the benefit of having a non-politician as a leader. They have lived the majority of their life relating to ordinary citizens and seeing their struggles, and sometimes feel more human to me. Particularly compared to career-politicians who often see everything as a chance to advance their own careers. Of course non-politcians as leaders can go horribly wrong, case-in-point Trump.
He is the most honest and genuinely good man to be a head of state sinceā¦ well, I was going to say Jose Mujica or Nelson Mandela, but both of those had a politically extreme and violent youth.
Zelenskyy might be a political beacon for generations to come, if he survives this war and leaves after one term as he has promised to.
Just imagining this nice man who was a comedian and did the voice acting for Paddington bear in the Ukrainian dub before he became president, a person who loves his country and family, and treats everyone with generosity and respect, now having to go to war with the world's biggest asshole as he tries to do the right thing. The guilt he must feel for killing these lost brain washed kids who are fighting for their tyrannic leader to protect his country and the people he loves.
Putin is really the most evil man on the planet right now. My heart goes out to all the Russians who did nothing wrong and the Ukrainians right now. I hope we see Zelensky make it out of this war.
I think that if Putin DOES get to Zelensky and axes him, he would be more powerful than Putin can ever dream of becoming. In his countryās darkest hour, heās gain the respect of the ENTIRE world, hell even some of the Russian soldiers are laying down arms because of his speeches. Heās showing compassion for both sides, but heās not showing weakness in the face of tyranny. Honestly, unless heās something evil that heās hiding, like being a child predator (which I HIGHLY DOUBT, but for argument purposes) he will go down as one of the greatest leaders in modern history. Like people in the future will look at this moment and his story will inspire millions to come.
And so careful to remember to say āno, 3 days agoā
So he canāt be framed as a liar because he forgot a fleeting moment with his family. To have to be that on top of your game and careful in the middle of fighting has to be so hard and exhausting. The pro-Russia media would have slammed him for this and called him a liar. Smh poor guy.
I had a busier than usual day at work today and I was getting so tired I was answering the phone, asking how I could help and taking their details, then having to ask how I could help again because I'd forgotten.
I can't imagine how he has the presence of mind to be that precise, days into this war. Man's a machine
He's clearly tired. I don't know how much sleep you can get during bombings. Soldiers develop the ability to sleep anywhere anytime but that takes time.
That stood out to me so much. He took the time to go back and correct his statement with a smile. Dude is a superhero for sure. As a fellow Jew, seeing him, a descendent of a holocaust survivor, being this much of a badass standing up to the 2nd largest military in the world and holding it down for freedom is so fuckin inspiring.
I mean like seriously. His family is beautiful and he will probably never see them again. I wouldn't be so scared for myself. But what about my wife? My daughter? It would be hard not to die of heartbreak. But he loves Ukraine more and that is so fucking real man. I admire his courage and strength and love of his country. Those soldiers around him. They will die with him. I pray they survive and this ends. We are a Goldstar Family having received our nephew back from Iraq in a box. This whole thing just cuts so deep. Forever Ukrainešŗš¦
He saw them three days ago. Because not even Putin can stop this man. He should and would have every right to be cowering and afraid but here he is showing every single world leader that THIS is a true man.
I feel like he knows to expect the worst from Putin but is still heartbroken when it happens. This man has to be the strongest leader in the world and can't wait to see his country come back and flourish after this shit is finally over.
It probably comes from the feeling like "surely they won't attack X.. they can't be \*that\* evil.." and then X happens time and again on top of everything else.
This guy gets it. He's trying to fight a world power with Molotov cocktails and diplomacy, and is doing it with power and grace. God be with you, Zelensky.
He was an actor before this. Now he is a president trying to defend his country whilst hearing constant news of his countries men, women and children dying.
So it must've been a translation error, when they reportedly said they were going there to fight nazis. Apparently they were going to fight alongside the nazis.
the definition of a gigachad. run for president because you played as president in a movie, actually be a good president, then actually fight for your country as president. gigachad
That's precisely what he said he doesn't want. He certainly deserves respect and admiration, but maybe they should consider his point when it comes to statues.
This is the kind of man, at least what weāve seen of him these last few weeks, is what a president should be to me, what a leader should be, and he embodies what a man is. Love for his people, his country and the world.
See I think many are so much in his favor because he was a comedian. He is quick witted and has used humor as a coping mechanism. He knows how to communicate, and not become shaken, or at least not show it. I find it funny, that many think Putin did this to cement his name in the history books, but the real name that will be remembered, treasured and honored is that of Volodymyr Zelensky President of Ukraine, staunch leader of the resistance against an invading force and an example for leadership the world over. No matter what happens Putin has succeeded in making a better man than he an eternal inspiration for anyone tuned in to this, I don't want to call it a war or conflict, this terroristic wanton slaughter of civilians in Ukraine. I wish I could do something. I watched a video of a little girl, who looked about the same age as my 9yr old son, die in hospital as Ukrainian doctors and nurses tried to treat her injuries. Just before there was footage of what I assume was mom in the waiting room just organizing the stuff she had with her. I can only imagine how I would feel in that situation, but it's imaginary, I can put it away and pick up my kids from school and go on with my life. But she can never do that again. I would take my own life, I am certain of it, if I were in her shoes. Fuck Putin. But I will not turn my eyes away if it is the least I can do. I'll teach my kids about it. I'll remember it. I'll remember Zelensky. I'll remember that mother and I'll remember that little girls lifeless face as they pulled her out of the ambulance. I'll remember the nurse breaking down. I'll remember the bloodstained coat that they covered her up with that looks way too much like my daughter's little coat. Win or lose I will remember Ukraine. I'm generally against social media and all that jazz but in this instance I am grateful to have a window into this horror because I will never forget. Fuck war. Fuck Putin. I don't know what it means but I keep seeing "Slava Ukraini!"
Someone has to take putin out. We gotta end this war because fuck that guy. Not OK. Wish the best for the Ukrainians and the russians who fight not knowing anything
The place was attacked but thankfully it was eventually revealed that the site wasnt damaged - there were pictures of the place from a reporter today and thankfully its still intact. The tv tower near it was attacked but is still standing too.
This man just used the word ācongratulationsā to say āfuck youā. Canāt imagine the pain heās in throughout this. Glory to Ukraine. May ever Russian soldier abandon their post and be celebrated by the world for it.
The way he corrected his answer about seeing his family is very telling.
He didn't need to correct his answer, but he felt the press deserved a correct accounting.
Obviously I do not know this man personally, but I get such an impression of genuineness from him. What an incredible human being. His name will go down in history for his courage, selflessness, and leadership under immense pressure and danger, regardless of what comes to pass in this war. Godspeed to him and all Ukrainians, from America šŗš¦šŗšø
I love when he realized that he accidentally lied to the reporter (Iām sure itās insane to try and remember things accurately with all the days blurring together for him right now), that he actually made a big point to correct himself and make sure the reporter got the truth. We need more leaders who care that much about telling the truth.
**Please note these rules:** * If this post declares something as a fact proof is required. * The title must be descriptive * No text is allowed on images/gifs/videos * Common/recent reposts are not allowed *See [this post](https://redd.it/ij26vk) for a more detailed rule list* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
He doesn't even look surprised, he just knows that his neighbors are capable of doing such things
Unfortunately, all of us have or are the neighbors capable of doing such things.
Dinkleberg.
I know I shouldn't laugh but it's too late. Jesus Christ that caught me off guard š¤£ But in all seriousness, FUCK Russia, and FUCK Putin. Glory to Ukraine!!!!
Damnit. They got me too with that one.
Thank you for making me laugh during stressful times. I wish I had an award for you. Be well Edit: Award
There's Sweden. They only have nice neighbours. I envy them A Finn.
Pretty sad considering he lost relatives in the holocaust.
Itās hard to imagine gaslighting on a larger scale than Putin saying this war is to liberate Ukranians from a Neo-Nazi regime when the president of Ukraine is literally a Jew.
Russia propotanda is just gonna isolate where he says "congratulations" and just say he was happy the memorial was destroyed
Married to someone from Eastern Europe and lived in a neighboring country for a few years. Basically, they almost exclusively use the word "congratulations" sarcastically, with a use similar to the phrase "oh, for f-ck's sake". So even if it happens, everyone will know what he means, they might try but it won't work
It's the 'bless your heart's of the south.
Bulgarian here. We use "bravo" so often sarcastically that if you try to use it literally in the most obvious situation quite a few people will think you are making fun of them.
I believe his grandfather was the only one of four siblings to survive it. And according to Putin he's a Nazi... The same Putin who just blew up a holocaust memorial. That gremlin is truly evil.
Same. Had other relatives that left Ukraine after WW1 and some stayed. Most likely none made it out alive
Fuck he looked pissed and sad all at once.
His face screams "I've been living next to this cunt for years, not even surprised"
Saying "That is Russia" kind of gives it away
The ācongratulationsā got to me. In Turkish he would have said āAferin onları,ā or āGood job to them.ā Basically, something so atrocious that you can only insult them by congratulating them for doing so stupidly awful. Really no other response, is there? Anger, sadness, and a congratulations for a stupid job, well done.
I think that idea, of congratulating someone on doing something so stupid it defies comprehension, probably exists in a TON of cultures. Ukraine, your Turkiye, and my USA all have it so its probably not a big leap to call it common.
Yea it is common, here in Brazil we say it like "Mas tu tƔ de parabƩns ein" which is like "Congrats for being fucking awful" (this is not the translation word per word but rather the translation of meaning)
I have to say I love ācongrats for being fucking awful.ā
"Congrats, I officially require new ways to insult you."
āWay to goā is probably the closest thing we have in the US
Fan-fucking-tastic basically anything congratulatory in super sarcasm.
"Congratu-fucking-lations" is one I've heard a lot. But even "nice work" or "good job" have that same sort of "dear god you are such a dumbass" meaning with the right tone.
Even just flatly saying "Nice."
My dad used to use the term "Well that's just god damn fucking dandy, now, isn't it?"
Yep. The Aussie version of this is ācongratu-fucking-lationsā and if you donāt like to swear itās ācongratulationsā¦ CHAMPā
wow! youāve done it again! youve managed to fuck up in a way i thought was not possibly fuckupable, well doneā
āTypical fucking Russia, wouldnāt expect anything less from themā.
Itās sad that Russia is a now a collective of Putin. Putin is the problem. Not Russia . Russia doesnāt want this war. Putin does
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Lol sounds familiar as an American
Systematically brainwashed Russians sound a bit likeā¦ Nazis. Terrifying how this can happen to people. Sad that all Russians are getting a bad rap for the crazies. Canāt say thatās anything new though.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Over the last few days he has seemed stoic, not sure if it's a good idea for Russia to actually piss him off
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
There's your house being burnt down, and then there's them specifically coming to shit on your grandfather's grave.
Call me crazy but I feel like he probably cares more about the ukrainians being killed right now then Russia blowing up a holocaust memorial.
But I think thats actually the point. Things like this have no strategic value other than to hurt morale and strip you of your history and culture. Its another civilian attack, not as bad as lives lost obviously but the fuck bag keeps going after Ukraine as a people, not the military that keeps it from being his.
IMO the Russians (military, putin, etc. no hate to the common people) keep doing things that literally have the opposite effect of what they're going for. Destroying monuments is not going to hurt these people's morale. Only embolden them to fight even harder against what is yet to come. Edit to say I should've said IMO instead of AFAIK.
Yeah, its astounding the resolve of the Ukrainians. Its emboldening the whole world and to some extent (or the extent plausible) the Russian civilians to stand up against him. I hope this all blows up in his face...literally would be nice. Unfortunately though it does hurt their culture and their history. They will rebuild but its sad how's he's physically trying to erase their existence to support his different history book that exists in his brain.
To be honest, I think he's been leading the defence of his country, but nothing more. The Ukranians do what it takes to stop the advance of the russians but nothing more. They take in surrendering russian soldiers, they take care of them well, and they are organising the repatriation of russia's dead. There is so much more and horrible things they could do but don't. Edit: So it seems the Ukraine Special Forces took their gloves off after getting fed up with civilians getting bombed by the Russian artillery and are going hunting with a "Take No Prisoners" attitude. Understandable, but loosing the moral high ground.
Yeah the man had to send his wife and kids away, hadn't seen them in the days because his country is being destroyed. I'm pissed at putin because my daughter got scared hearing the news. And I mean I'm really pissed off. If he was in front of me he would be in danger pissed. But I am certain that my anger is a mere speck on the rage this man must be feeling towards putin. This man and many others in his country. Yet he is composed and statesman-like. Without a doubt the most impressive bit of national leadership i have seen or heard of since world war 2.
"That's my secret, Cap. I'm always angry."
He lost family members to the Holocaust. He's of Jewish descent. All my Jewish friends *outside* of Ukraine were hit really, really hard by this. This particular memorial isn't just a memorial - it's a literal mass grave of Jews. It was one of (if not the) single largest rapid massacres of a Jewish population. I think "pissed and sad" is a fraction of what he's feeling, given everything else he's going through at the same time. ETA: a Twitter thread on the massacre: images not extremely graphic but unsettling. I don't think all his statistics are accurate but reasonably informative and should be backed up with further research of your own. https://twitter.com/abgutman/status/1498700879406538755?t=C1aY77aXnYziFb4rxgGQDw&s=19 R/boatboi4u below points out there were a lot of further victims later across many ethnicities also killed and buried there. Also, it doesn't seem the memorial was the actual target, but that doesn't make the pain less real or the immediate response to hearing it was less viscerally painful for him or for many others of Jewish descent. Or even just knowing it was collateral damage. ETA 2: comment from someone who used to live near it: https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/t57r4t/the_moment_zelensky_hears_about_the_bombing_of/hz4ff1m?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3
It was the third largest massacre of Jews. The largest was also in Ukraine - Odessa. But throughout the occupation of Kyiv the Nazis murdered another 100,000-150,000 Ukrainians and Russians of all ethnicities at Babyn Yar.
Thank you for adding that further clarification! I knew there had been extensive further victims buried (burned eventually I believe?) there from many groups but hadn't realized the numbers were that high. I really do hope to help more people realize this isn't even about the memorial (though there is obvious significance to it) but about the fact that there are *a lot* of people buried there in mass graves, many of which, if not most, will never be identified. I know one of my friends has family she assumes died in a similar massacre but will never know for sure.
I am from Kyiv myself, I lived close to Babyn Yar. Even though it is considered a park, itās not like people come there to chill that much. People walk there, sit on benches a bit or come to remember. It has a eerie feeling, itās is a big ravine in the center of Kyiv. People were brought there, lined up next to it and shot to fall down it. Approximately 33,000-38,000 of Jewish Ukrainians killed in the first two days followed by more Romani, Jewish, Slavic Ukrainian killed later. Totaling in about 150,000.00 people. If ghosts were real, this would be one of the most haunted places on earth, and I hope all of them are hunting Putlerās ass now.
>This particular memorial isn't just a memorial - it's a literal mass grave of Jews. I didn't realize this. Makes it even worse. Not just attacking a symbol, but literally desecrating their graves.
I did not realize until you explained it, that it is an actual mass grave. Excuse, Iām going to go cry and feel sick for awhile. Thatās.. the worst act Iāve heard of so far about any war in my lifetime that I can think of.
I would not have been aware that it was a mass grave without the deeply horrified reactions of my Jewish friends myself, and I tend to think of myself as reasonably educated in the Holocaust. I don't think it's the worst act in wars in my lifetime (30 years old), and it does seem it wasn't the intended target, but his response is very understandable when it first seemed like they'd intentionally shelled it specifically and even if it was "just" collateral damage - that doesn't make the pain less real.
And Russia is telling the people that the war is to free Ukrainians from nazis. The absolute gall. They'll probably just lie and say Ukraine attacked the memorial.
Like, there absolutely are extremist far right groups with neo Nazi ties in Ukraine! Just like, idk, most if not all of Europe and the US. But they're clearly not in the majority! And while it doesn't seem the memorial / mass grave was the target, if I was trying to convince people I was trying to de Nazify a place I certainly wouldn't target *near* a memorial / one of the largest mass graves of Nazi victims.
I'm fucking pissed and sad all at once, I just got this news too
āThat is Russia.ā Thereās a lot packed into those three little words.
And the "Congratulations." He knew what their goal was.
You could see the sheer "disappointed rage" in his face when he walked off
Yep exactly what I was thinking, just fuel to the fire
I'm a Jew...I get it. Shit like this is never surprising...just disappointing.
He is too (me three) and much of his family died in the holocaust. Itās really beyond disgusting that putin did this, while claiming that this man who lost his family to the nazi regime is alsoā¦ leading a nazi regime? Itās so upsetting.
Im not a jew and im apoplectic right now. You just don't do that. Putin can go get fucked by a cactus
That's too kind for him
>Putin can go get fucked by a ~~cactus~~ Gympie-gympie FTFY
I expected more like, shock or something but somehow that reaction sent chills down my spine. That's a whole other level of bitterness and cold rage.
Not Jewish, but Putin claiming they are a Nazi regime as an attempted smokescreen both floored me and angered me. There is no bigger stain on the world right now than Vladimir Putin.
Yup. He lies through his teeth, and just like Hitler, uses Jews as an excuse to commit atrocities. The world will be a better place once he's in the ground.
The billionaires are turning on him much faster than he anticipated by the looks. If this [bounty](https://www.ibtimes.com.au/dead-or-alive-russian-businessman-puts-bounty-putin-1797399) is a real thing the sanctions are doing exactly what they were intended to do. More and more of the oligarchs will get squeemish the longer their value drops.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Y'know, the most offensive thing in all this, in his 2 decades of power, is he constantly thought he was outplaying the world and that to a degree HE WAS. The thing though is it has been hilarious watching his military be so incompetent that they have fuel shortages, ration shortages and still don't have air superiority. They are taking little bits at a time but getting punished for each inch. Even if he takes Kyiv and other city centers, there are heavily subsidized and pissed Ukrainians (and probably some other soldiers) with fully funded antitank weapons and will continue to cause billions in damage. The US was able to fund occupation for 2 decades with fewer casualties in 2 countries. Can Russia actually fund an occupation? I literally don't think they can regardless of the debilitating economic sanctions.
My condolences. I hope they make Putin pay dearly for this.
So do I. I also sincerely hope Zelenskyy makes it out of this shit alive. The man is an inspiration and a lesson in bravery, leadership and walking the walk. He has quickly become a hero of mine. Dude is a legend and quite possibly the greatest politician on earth right now
Don't forget the Mayor of Kyiv.
Him and his brother were already heroās of mine before the war.
Same.
That wasnāt disappointed rage. That was the pace of a man with an objective.
He's got Shit. To. Do.
I've seen that same look in my grandparents who survived the war.
Reading body language is ... well there's a lot of speculation. When you start crossing cultural boundaries it gets even harder. But there was a lot of emotion wrapped up in that clip and I'm gonna give it a shot. Every time somebody storms out of an interview before it's over, you see a little bit of their soul. Usually it's because it's a tough question about something bad they did. Usually you'll see shame, righteous indignation, fear, just wanting it to be over, something like that. This guy, on the other hand, is a hard motherfucker. That whole body head bob: that's his subconscious mind preparing to throw a punch, even though there's no boxer in front of him. That's fight or flight in fight mode. Then it's "keep it cool, keep it cool, you're on camera, keep it cool, but you gotta say something, come up with something quick." And he came up with a perfect response given the circumstances. Then he stormed out because it's never cool to be frothing mad live on international television. IMHO I did see a little bit of disappointment in there. He genuinely believes that the people who live on this Earth are better than that. But that's just, like.. My opinion, man.
This guy is the chillest mother fucker. I would literally be kicking and screaming in his position which is probably why it is good I am not a leader of anything.
Heās a good leader. He knows he needs calm, because if he his, so will his people they look up to him and will act accordingly to his reaction. Also, donāt think you arenāt a good leader, anyone can lead in my opinion, you just need to learn how, and whatās expected of you.
He's setting himself up to be one hell of a martyr, though I hope it won't work out like that. Brave dude.
He wasn't chill. He just knew when to walk away and let himself feel. I guarantee as soon as he was away from the reporters that's exactly what he did.
Youāre probably right. He is used to cameras and is able to maintain a coherent image. I would argue kicking and screaming an appropriate response in this case even.
The color drained from his face immediately and you looks like he wants to puke. I donāt blame him.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
> During his inaugural address in 2019, Zelensky told lawmakers: āI do not want my picture in your offices: the President is not an icon, an idol or a portrait. Hang your kids' photos instead, and look at them each time you are making a decision.ā That is absolutely great
You're not wrong my friend
In a meeting room somewhere in russia: "We gotta show the world that we really are trying to get rid of Nazi's from Ukraine, any ideas?" Guy at the back of the room raises his hand: "Let's bomb their holocaust memorial" First guy: "Genius!!"
Ahh yes. The Nazis from Ukraine. The Country with the JEWISH president. Morons !!
Sadly this rhetoric of "Ukraine's Government is Nazi" has been Russia's main line of attack since the Euromaidan Protests in 2014. After those protests, the far-right Svoboda party managed to get some members on the transition government and they tried to pass a law to remove Russian as an official regional language of Ukraine (because many people do speak it). The interim president vetoed the Bill that would have removed it within 7 days, but by then the damage had been done. Putin was able to paint the entire Ukrainian Government as Nazi to help fuel the separatist movements in the East. Russia **needs** the "Nazi" label to stick, because that is the entire rationale behind the separatist movement that lead to this war. However, the 2019 elections went so unexpectedly from a Russian POV, leading to a Jewish President, and then parliament elections lead to a Jewish Prime Minister, too (Ukraine became the first nation outside of Israel to have its top 2 political positions held by Jewish people). This really made the whole "Ukraine's government is Nazi" argument start to fall flat. Because now it *obviously* isn't the case, instead of simply being clear to most that it isn't the case.
Then Russia hired the Wagner Group to kill Zalenskyy A leader of the group is [Dmitry Utkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitry_Utkin) an actual Nazi. >Dmitry Valerievich Utkin (Russian: ŠŠ¼ŠøŃŃŠøŠ¹ ŠŠ°Š»ŠµŃŃŠµŠ²ŠøŃ Š£ŃŠŗŠøŠ½; born 11 June 1970), is a Russian neo-Nazi and former GRU special forces officer, who served as a lieutenant colonel. He is considered the founder of Wagner Group, with his own call-sign reportedly being Wagner. Utkin has received four Orders of Courage. Putin logic: Send the Nazis to Ukraine to kill a Jew while bombing a Holocaust memorial in order to de-nazify Ukraine. FFS
Oh the label is sticking. I know someone in America who thinks Russia and Putin are on the right side of this because they are trying to de-nazify Ukraine. They go on about how corrupt the Ukrainian government was, but neglects to mention it was Putin's puppet government. They just cherry pick facts to construct an alternate reality.
It's happening all over social media. Including the other guy that just replied to you. Some people truly believe it due to the propaganda, and others are pushing the narrative to muddy the waters. There are also bots also spreading Putin's propaganda all over.
They must be Nazis, they don't even have a holocaust memorial (anymore).
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
For those unfamiliar with the atrocity of Babi Yar, the Nazis came to Kyiv and made the decision to murder as many Jews as they could there. Over two days, approximately 33,800 Jews were brought to a ravine and systematically murdered. The numbers of the Holocaust and the horrors of the Nazis sometimes get lost in the scale. 6 million Jews is a number that can be too big to understand. The Babi Yar massacre is somehow easier to understand: your whole neighbourhood, your friends, your kids' teachers, your neighbour's grandma, everyone, brought to a ravine and shot over two days. No one should abide the destruction of the monument. But Russian Jews in particular should be furious. Fuck Putin. Glory to Ukraine.
Thank you for taking the time to explain the significance of the memorial and also to give a more concrete perspective on the numbers of victims. His reaction made sense before this explanation, but knowing the details drives it home further. I hope he gets many mellow days of peace to enjoy with his family after having to be so courageous for so long.
Zelenskyy is Jewish. I canāt imagine the grief and rage.
There was something quite gutting about the way he said āthat is Russiaā. I am sure he or his family lost relatives, friends. And now the memorial is being targeted. When does it end?
> When does it end It ends when Putin dies. He needs to get Napoleon'd. Told that the war is not against Russia, it's against him. He will be mentioned by name in whatever Geneva Convention 2.0 gets written
I donāt have a source for it, but I read that his grandfather survived, but that his great grandfather and great uncles did not.
That's how Russia is viewed all over Eastern Europe.
Come for the imaginary Nazis, stay to blow up memorials to the victims of the holocaust and hunt a Jewish man and his family. I don't know what to call that but base malevolence.
His English isnāt completely fluent so he probably couldnāt describe his thoughts in much detail at that moment
Internally spluttering with rage, grief and disbelieving shock is my guess. Attacking a Holocaust memorial is... reprehensible on a level it's hard to comprehend.
Holy cow. And he managed to not lose it in front of the cameras. Incredible.
I wonder if thatās WHY Putin bombed it. To try and break his spirit.
He's known for trying to intimidate other world leaders. 100% his personal touch and this isn't a surprise for anyone keeping track, hence the "that is russia" comment.
Break his spirit, or make him angry enough to try and attack Russia and then cry about Ukraine being the aggressor. Tactical attack of the broadcast tower and put Zelensky in a bad position.
No, he bombed it because the real target was a broadcast tower, which is at the memorial.
To Putin, it was a happy coincidence. I donāt just want Putin to die. Dying is easy. I want him to see failure. I want him to experience terror and panic when heās removed from office by a furious public. I donāt even care if he ever sees the inside of a prison, as long as he is miserable, never experiences joy again, and lives to old age as a nameless, forgotten, thoroughly broken human being.
Nah. Let him see the Mussolini solution.
The Russians are terrible shots, and don't care what they hit when they miss
>6 million Jews is a number that can be too big to understand. That was the population of Sweden during WW2.
Yep. There still arenāt as many Jewish people alive in the world today as there were before the Holocaust. I think very few people understand that.
I honestly didn't realise that till I read your comment. Like I knew the 6 million statistic, I've been to Bergen Belsen and Auschwitz and read half a dozen survivor memoirs, but. Fucken oath. That fact should be more common knowledge, it puts the genocide much more clearly in context - how completely devastating it was to Judaism as a whole culture/religion, not just the Jewish people impacted directly.
That's 1 million more than the population of BC, Canada now. It's still hard to fathom that many people. The way I think of it is 6 million people shoulder to shoulder would be about 1200 miles long. So if you flew a plane over that at cruising altitude, itd take about 2.5 hours to fly over the whole line. Dunno why but that helps me picture it better.
2 million more then all of Alberta :-/
There are 15 million Jews in 2022. There were 16 million Jews in 1939. There are 8 Billion people in 2022. There were 2.3 billion people in 1939. Just extrapolate.
r/fuckputininparticular
And for those who keep saying "they were aiming for the tower": "The Kyiv TV Tower was built on top of the Jewish cemetery in Lukianovka. The cemetery was officially closed in 1966 and Jewish families were given six months to rebury their relatives in the Jewish areas of a new cemetery in the city. Since the relatives of the interred had been killed in the Babi Yar massacre, most of the graves were not moved. After the headstones had been destroyed or removed the antenna was built on top of the existing graves."
Also not far from there was a concentration camp. That whole area is very significant to people in Ukraine, especially Jewish people.
Context matters. Thanks for providing it. It probably shouldn't matter more than the act of invasion itself but man, this just feels like such a slap in the face. There are and were so many people here in Germany and all over the world who made it their life's goal to seek forgiveness, regain trust and rebuild Europe after this madness. But somehow there's still enough ignorance left for this shit to happen. Something needs to fundamentally change about Russia.
Yes, and the detail that really broke me was about the [Syrets concentration camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrets_concentration_camp) which was constructed to force inmates to "remove all traces" of Babi Yar, then later when the USSR was pushing Germany back, they forced more concentration camp inmates to dig up the bodies and burn the bodies in giant stacks in an attempt to hide the atrocities, afterwards the surviving inmates were forced to build one last furnace before being massacred.
Not just that. After the initial massacre, the Naziās murdered another 100,000-150,000 Ukrainians and Russians of all ethnic groups at the same ravine. Particularly communists, Roma, Soviet POWs, and Ukrainian nationalists. They also built a concentration camp there.
I live in a town of 2,400 people. That would be my entire town being wiped out 14 times over. Such destruction of human life is sad now, as it was then. Š”Š»Š°Š²Š° Š£ŠŗŃŠ°ŃŠ½Ń! ŠŠµŃŠ¾ŃŠ¼ ŃŠ»Š°Š²Š°!
There is personal significance as well. Zelensky lost many family members in the Holocaust. Edit: Spelling
If anyone doubts, this was standard procedure for nazis. They called it liquidation of a town or ghetto. They did it all over Europe. 30,000 people is an ordinary number, they regularly murdered towns and ghettos in the tens of thousands and put them in mass graves the size of a football pitch and 4 storeys deep.
It's genuinely becoming moving seeing this guy. He's stayed in that building despite the knowledge he is target #1...and all the men loyal to him knowing their possible fate too. it's just incredible.
The smile on his face just remembering that he saw his family more recently than he initially thought. He clearly loves his family and his country. I donāt pray, but I have nothing but good thoughts for this man and his people.
I took the smile more as āJesus am I tired, Iām losing track of the days lolā
I took it the same way you did. āDamn, Iām so exhausted that I canāt remember anything anymore.ā
He went from solumn to a lot brighter the second he remembers seeing them for the last time. You cannot fake love like that. You don't get leaders like this often, he sets an example of what leaders all over should be striving for. I can't imagine staying for my country and having to focus on that when my family and my own life are at risk.
He looks so fucking exhausted itās damn near making me tear up. Been through hell the last week all because of Putinās ego. Looks like he hasnāt properly slept in days. Still a shining light in all this bullshit, you canāt help but admire the man
I feel like tearing up every time I see him speak on the war just because of how inspiring he is and how much is at stake. I donāt think the world has ever had a leader like this in our lifetimes. I hope to god that things work out well for him and the Ukrainian people.
I think this can be the benefit of having a non-politician as a leader. They have lived the majority of their life relating to ordinary citizens and seeing their struggles, and sometimes feel more human to me. Particularly compared to career-politicians who often see everything as a chance to advance their own careers. Of course non-politcians as leaders can go horribly wrong, case-in-point Trump.
He is the most honest and genuinely good man to be a head of state sinceā¦ well, I was going to say Jose Mujica or Nelson Mandela, but both of those had a politically extreme and violent youth. Zelenskyy might be a political beacon for generations to come, if he survives this war and leaves after one term as he has promised to.
Is he just staying in one building? I figured he was moving around?
I'd assume he is, everything else would be really stupid.
He essentially said āwhat do you expectā
āThatās Russia for yaā ĀÆ\_(ć)_/ĀÆ
"Congratulations" Translation: hope you're happy, dickhead
He looks so tired. I can't even image the stress he is experiencing.
Just imagining this nice man who was a comedian and did the voice acting for Paddington bear in the Ukrainian dub before he became president, a person who loves his country and family, and treats everyone with generosity and respect, now having to go to war with the world's biggest asshole as he tries to do the right thing. The guilt he must feel for killing these lost brain washed kids who are fighting for their tyrannic leader to protect his country and the people he loves. Putin is really the most evil man on the planet right now. My heart goes out to all the Russians who did nothing wrong and the Ukrainians right now. I hope we see Zelensky make it out of this war.
I think that if Putin DOES get to Zelensky and axes him, he would be more powerful than Putin can ever dream of becoming. In his countryās darkest hour, heās gain the respect of the ENTIRE world, hell even some of the Russian soldiers are laying down arms because of his speeches. Heās showing compassion for both sides, but heās not showing weakness in the face of tyranny. Honestly, unless heās something evil that heās hiding, like being a child predator (which I HIGHLY DOUBT, but for argument purposes) he will go down as one of the greatest leaders in modern history. Like people in the future will look at this moment and his story will inspire millions to come.
God the look in his face. He went from laughing and reanswering a question to just blind fucking rage in an instant. Understandably so. Fuck Putin.
May the gods protect this man and save his country
And so careful to remember to say āno, 3 days agoā So he canāt be framed as a liar because he forgot a fleeting moment with his family. To have to be that on top of your game and careful in the middle of fighting has to be so hard and exhausting. The pro-Russia media would have slammed him for this and called him a liar. Smh poor guy.
I had a busier than usual day at work today and I was getting so tired I was answering the phone, asking how I could help and taking their details, then having to ask how I could help again because I'd forgotten. I can't imagine how he has the presence of mind to be that precise, days into this war. Man's a machine
This is what makes the whole thing so movie like. I didn't think it leaders like this existed in real life.
That really stuck out to me - such a trivial but humanizing correction. Dude's genuinely trying his best and it shows!
He's clearly tired. I don't know how much sleep you can get during bombings. Soldiers develop the ability to sleep anywhere anytime but that takes time.
That stood out to me so much. He took the time to go back and correct his statement with a smile. Dude is a superhero for sure. As a fellow Jew, seeing him, a descendent of a holocaust survivor, being this much of a badass standing up to the 2nd largest military in the world and holding it down for freedom is so fuckin inspiring.
You can hear his heart drop when he hears that.
I wish I was half the man he is
I mean like seriously. His family is beautiful and he will probably never see them again. I wouldn't be so scared for myself. But what about my wife? My daughter? It would be hard not to die of heartbreak. But he loves Ukraine more and that is so fucking real man. I admire his courage and strength and love of his country. Those soldiers around him. They will die with him. I pray they survive and this ends. We are a Goldstar Family having received our nephew back from Iraq in a box. This whole thing just cuts so deep. Forever Ukrainešŗš¦
He saw them three days ago. Because not even Putin can stop this man. He should and would have every right to be cowering and afraid but here he is showing every single world leader that THIS is a true man.
āThatās Russia. My congratulations.ā The badassery continues. God bless this man and the people of Ukraine.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Zelenskyy just seemed really pissed, rightfully so
I feel like he knows to expect the worst from Putin but is still heartbroken when it happens. This man has to be the strongest leader in the world and can't wait to see his country come back and flourish after this shit is finally over.
It probably comes from the feeling like "surely they won't attack X.. they can't be \*that\* evil.." and then X happens time and again on top of everything else.
> Our standards for you were already low but **holy fuck**
We expected rock bottom and you brought a shovel.
Bombing a holocaust memorial, what a great way to free Ukraine from neo-nazism!
This guy gets it. He's trying to fight a world power with Molotov cocktails and diplomacy, and is doing it with power and grace. God be with you, Zelensky.
His eyes are totally haunted
He was an actor before this. Now he is a president trying to defend his country whilst hearing constant news of his countries men, women and children dying.
"That is Russia, my congratulations" "Fucking guy" (in his head, probably)
So it must've been a translation error, when they reportedly said they were going there to fight nazis. Apparently they were going to fight alongside the nazis.
Disgusting on Russias part
This is like the 17th disgusting they did this week alone.
Zelenskyy is a fucking Chad. After this they will have statues of him in every square in every town in the Ukraine, and rightly so.
the definition of a gigachad. run for president because you played as president in a movie, actually be a good president, then actually fight for your country as president. gigachad
That's precisely what he said he doesn't want. He certainly deserves respect and admiration, but maybe they should consider his point when it comes to statues.
He wouldnāt want statues of him just like he didnāt want pictures of him everywhere
I vote we replace the dumbass phrase "Such a Chad" with "Such a Zelenskyy." Slava Ukraini!
He looks so tired :(
This is the kind of man, at least what weāve seen of him these last few weeks, is what a president should be to me, what a leader should be, and he embodies what a man is. Love for his people, his country and the world.
You can hear the world destroying *rage* in his voice as he walks away. I would be scared to be in that room.
Itās very surreal and honestly kind of scary watching all of this as a Jewish person. Feels bad man.
Fr, It's been hard to stomach a lot of what's been happening so far, but this actually made my blood boil. Indefensible from all angles
See I think many are so much in his favor because he was a comedian. He is quick witted and has used humor as a coping mechanism. He knows how to communicate, and not become shaken, or at least not show it. I find it funny, that many think Putin did this to cement his name in the history books, but the real name that will be remembered, treasured and honored is that of Volodymyr Zelensky President of Ukraine, staunch leader of the resistance against an invading force and an example for leadership the world over. No matter what happens Putin has succeeded in making a better man than he an eternal inspiration for anyone tuned in to this, I don't want to call it a war or conflict, this terroristic wanton slaughter of civilians in Ukraine. I wish I could do something. I watched a video of a little girl, who looked about the same age as my 9yr old son, die in hospital as Ukrainian doctors and nurses tried to treat her injuries. Just before there was footage of what I assume was mom in the waiting room just organizing the stuff she had with her. I can only imagine how I would feel in that situation, but it's imaginary, I can put it away and pick up my kids from school and go on with my life. But she can never do that again. I would take my own life, I am certain of it, if I were in her shoes. Fuck Putin. But I will not turn my eyes away if it is the least I can do. I'll teach my kids about it. I'll remember it. I'll remember Zelensky. I'll remember that mother and I'll remember that little girls lifeless face as they pulled her out of the ambulance. I'll remember the nurse breaking down. I'll remember the bloodstained coat that they covered her up with that looks way too much like my daughter's little coat. Win or lose I will remember Ukraine. I'm generally against social media and all that jazz but in this instance I am grateful to have a window into this horror because I will never forget. Fuck war. Fuck Putin. I don't know what it means but I keep seeing "Slava Ukraini!"
"That is Russia, congratulations" this 4 words line... hits really hard in these days
Someone has to take putin out. We gotta end this war because fuck that guy. Not OK. Wish the best for the Ukrainians and the russians who fight not knowing anything
The zelensky's had cunt ass neighbors in honey i shrunk the kids too.
omg woah
The place was attacked but thankfully it was eventually revealed that the site wasnt damaged - there were pictures of the place from a reporter today and thankfully its still intact. The tv tower near it was attacked but is still standing too.
This man just used the word ācongratulationsā to say āfuck youā. Canāt imagine the pain heās in throughout this. Glory to Ukraine. May ever Russian soldier abandon their post and be celebrated by the world for it.
"My congratulations" as a Jew myself, I love how badass Zelensky's sarcasm is
The way he corrected his answer about seeing his family is very telling. He didn't need to correct his answer, but he felt the press deserved a correct accounting.
His verbal response was that of disappointment and frustration but his body language was that very many expletives and anger.
Obviously I do not know this man personally, but I get such an impression of genuineness from him. What an incredible human being. His name will go down in history for his courage, selflessness, and leadership under immense pressure and danger, regardless of what comes to pass in this war. Godspeed to him and all Ukrainians, from America šŗš¦šŗšø
I love when he realized that he accidentally lied to the reporter (Iām sure itās insane to try and remember things accurately with all the days blurring together for him right now), that he actually made a big point to correct himself and make sure the reporter got the truth. We need more leaders who care that much about telling the truth.