Excerpt from WCPO
UKRAINE — Vladyslav Farapanov was a political science major at Wright State University just a couple of years ago. The Ukraine native was living in Dayton as a college student abroad while learning about international relations.
He returned home in 2020 and started working in journalism. He has been a fixture on television as a political analyst, as well as a reporter and commentator online. Since the Russian invasion on Feb. 21, he's reported from Ukraine while riding out a war that's taken its toll on him. He's said he's nervous and scared but hopeful. When Russian President Vladimir Putin put nuclear forces on higher alert, he said it caused a wave of fear, but his country has more than enough spirit to keep fighting.
Farapanov said the wild card in the war has been Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. The former comedian turned politician was expected to evacuate if Russia invaded. Instead, Zelensky stayed in the capital with his staff and urged his country to fight while calling for help and action from the international community. Farapanov said Zelenksy's leadership has taken Ukrainians and Russians by surprise.
"I did not expect President Zelensky to be so brave," Farapanov said. "He's a freshman in big politics. His video communication with the nation has had many effects. It has calmed people down and it has sent messages to larger countries."
Farapanov said Putin underestimated both Zelensky and the resolve of Ukraine to fight against the invasion. Zelensky has continued to push outside countries for action as the war has continued - asking for supplies, arms and membership into the European Union. On Tuesday, he gave a video speech before European Parliament urging it to accept Ukraine as a member country. Farapanov said these efforts have inspired the citizenry.
