People Are Just Discovering Ukraine's President Won Dancing With The Stars

So, it turns out that as well as being president of Ukraine, and boasting a successful acting career, Volodymyr Zelensky once competed in - and won - Dancing With The Stars.

Zelensky has won international praise in recent days for his refusal to leave Kyiv in the face of Russia's attacks, and people are keen to learn more about the leader.

Before he got into politics, Volodymyr Zelensky had a successful entertainment career, working as a comedian, and performing in a popular TV series about a man who becomes president of Ukraine - yes, really.

Watch some of his moves on DWTS here:

Back in his entertainment days, Zelensky took part in Ukraine's debut season of Dancing With The Stars in 2006, subsequently winning the series with his dance partner, Olena Shoptenko.

A video of Zelensky's dance skills resurfaced online this week, after the president made headlines for refusing to evacuate Kyiv with his family.

Sharing clips of Zelensky's performances to Twitter, one user wrote: "So apparently Zelensky won the Ukrainian version of Dancing with the Stars in 2006 and the tape is even better than whatever you're imagining."

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Reacting to the now-viral video, one person tweeted: "It’s Volodymyr Zelensky’s world, and the rest of us are just living in it."

Another wrote: "Ok so he’s just like the coolest dude to ever exist? Got it."

A third thrilled Twitter user added: "I am unbelievably delighted to find this out. What a guy!", while a fourth raved: "The man can do anything."

As well as a skilled political leader and dancer, Zelensky has serious acting chops, too.

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The president starred in three seasons of Servant of the People as a teacher who eventually becomes president of Ukraine. 

The series ended the same year that he ran and won the real campaign to become president of the country. 

Not only that, but Zelenskyy lent his voice to Paddington Bear in the Ukrainian versions of Paddington and Paddington 2.

While he remains in Kyiv with his family, the Ukrainian president has been sharing messages of hope and inspiration with citizens and attempting to broker peace deals with Russia as devastating attacks continue.

Topics: News, Politics, Entertainment

Ali Condon

Ali is a journalist for LADbible Group, writing on all things film, music, and entertainment across Tyla, LADbible and UNILAD. You can contact Ali at [email protected].

@alicondon