My opponent claims that Ukraine’s military successes—such as the Kharkiv operation and the liberation of Kherson—were not the result of Zelensky’s strategic decisions, but rather due to Western support, Russian miscalculations, and tactical withdrawals
I agree that Western support and the enemy’s mistakes played a role. However, as Commander-in-Chief, Zelensky personally conducted negotiations and secured that support, which demonstrates his active involvement in shaping a successful defense. Every day he held meetings with politicians and regularly communicated with the people to maintain morale and prevent panic—at the beginning of the war, he addressed citizens almost every hour, something rarely seen in other countries.
My opponent also argues that if Zelensky were truly effective, Ukraine would already have a strong, self-sufficient economy and military.
However, it is important to consider that during wartime, enormous economic barriers exist. Systematic missile strikes destroy infrastructure, resources are limited, and Ukraine is forced to import necessary materials while mass emigration further weakens both the economy and military potential. Comparisons with the economies of the United Kingdom or the United States are not valid, as their capacity to expand budgets and resources differs significantly from Ukraine’s.
Regarding the claim that Zelensky suppresses opposition parties and restricts media freedom
it is important to note that such measures were implemented under martial law to protect national security. In March, the National Security and Defense Council suspended the activities of parties with ties to Russia, and on May 3 the Verkhovna Rada passed a law banning pro-Russian parties, which the president signed on May 14. Examples of the banned parties include:
- “Opposition Bloc” (“Опоблок”) – formed on the basis of the Party of Regions, closely associated with the pro-Russian ex-president Yanukovych.
- “Socialists” – a party that included former members of the Party of Regions and advocated for economic cooperation with Russia.
- “Nashi (Our)” – established by Evgeniy Murayev, known for his pro-Russian views and denial of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
- “Derzhava” – led by Dmytro Vasylets, who actively spread narratives favorable to Russia.
- “Vladimir Saldo Bloc” – after the invasion, Saldo switched sides and became head of the occupation administration in Kherson.
- The Party of “Justice and Development” – associated with politicians who supported Ukraine’s neutrality.
- “Socialist Party of Ukraine” – which included politicians who favored cooperation with Russia; the former leader Ilya Kyva fled to Russia in 2022.
- “Left Opposition” – which promoted ideas similar to the rhetoric of communist parties, including support for “Slavic unity.”
- “Shariy Party” – headed by Anatoliy Shariy, who frequently disseminated pro-Russian narratives.
- “Opposition Platform – For Life” – the largest pro-Russian party, whose leaders had direct ties with the Kremlin (for example, Viktor Medvedchuk).
All these parties had clear links with pro-Russian structures and disseminated narratives that favored the occupiers. Under wartime conditions, their activities posed a direct threat to Ukraine’s national security.
Conclusion:
Ukraine’s military successes are the result of many factors, but Zelensky, as Commander-in-Chief, played a key role in securing Western support and mobilizing the nation. The restriction of pro-Russian parties and media is a necessary measure in wartime aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty. The Ukrainian people chose to fight rather than surrender, and Zelensky, as the “servant of the people,” is acting in accordance with the nation’s will. Of course, an effective leader should also care for the safety of citizens and the economy, but under extreme conditions, the priority is the defense of the state. Therefore, Zelensky’s leadership can be considered effective in the current circumstances, despite some difficulties.
if i earn thanks for voting , then that's the only thing i like to do ,
and u find my biased vote on every spot , haha its a lie
well yeah, thx for votin ppl.
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Fine, I'll vote anyway.
Well, go ahead. You have the right to express your opinion
whatcha mean by unjust / well idk the other debater is also supposed to say so uh well i can't say anything bout the UNJUST VOTE
meow
dear debaters , i like to cast my unjust vote on it ,
if u like it without any discrimination
I will vote on this one if somebody else votes on my debate:
https://www.debateart.com/debates/6009-christianity-has-had-more-positive-impact-than-any-other-religion
no offense, no hard feelings, ok ppl, i just took the debate as a challenge, there's nothing personal.
meow
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uh, well is this debate that important, like really?
used my credits to push this to the top o hopefully it gets the recognition it deserves
definitely want to vote on this at some point
You could make the title of this debate more airtight by changing the title to "Zelensky is one of the { insert number here } most effective presidents on Earth today".
They don't want kyev. They want the dumb ass region.
I mean yeah
Ukraine is fighting a war of attrition that is unsustainable long term, peace is needed
The Russian Invasion into Ukraine is very stupid too, if they got into Kiev in like ~2 weeks it would be worth it
Effective at shutting down churches, censoring media and dragging out a war so he loses hundreds of thousands of extra lives to defend Russian speaking regions who prefer to be a part of Russia and let's be honest. Russian and Ukraine are both shitholes and there is no discernable difference living in either one. If you went to sleep in Ukraine and woke up in Russia you literally wouldn't notice
Define effective
good idea, already changed the terms of the debate to "Zelensky is one of the most effective presidents in the world today" :)
It's fair . I don't have time for this shit but I think his predecessor was better so maybe I could be persuaded.
He's the only one most people have heard of, so there might not be a challenger. If not, try changing the resolution to world leader (to which I'd say he needs to be in the top five).