Video of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on TV dance show goes viral amid Russia conflict
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has inspired support from all corners of the world by rallying his country to fight back amid its invasion by Russia. But a viral video suggests Zelenskyy's skills extend beyond political leadership.
A video compilation of the Ukrainian president busting dance moves on the Ukrainian TV dance show "Tantsi z zirkamy," the country's version of "Dancing with the Stars," went viral Saturday.
The clips show Zelenskyy donning a number of colorful outfits and dancing to classic tunes like Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" and the "Pink Panther" theme song.
so apparently Zelenskyy won the Ukrainian version of Dancing with the Stars in 2006 and the tape is even better than whatever you're imagining pic.twitter.com/L1gnKD2ISr
— Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) February 27, 2022
Zelenskyy and his partner on the show, Ukrainian dancer Olena Shoptenko, won the premiere season in 2006. At the time, he was working as a comedian and actor.
In 1997, Zelenskyy's performance group Kvartal 95, or Quarter 95, first appeared on the improv comedy show KVN, or "Club of the Funny and Inventive People," the British TV news channel Sky News reported. His troupe appeared on the program until 2003, when he co-founded the production company Studio Kvartal 95, according to the World Economic Forum.
Years later, he starred in a television show called Servant of the People, where he played a history teacher whose viral speech against corruption sends him on a path to become the Ukrainian president.
The Ukrainian president has been lauded as a hero for remaining in the country to fight alongside the Ukrainian people. He previously refused an American offer to evacuate the country, insisting to stay.
“The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride," he said.
More: Five things to know about Ukrainian comedian-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday directed Russian nuclear deterrent forces to be put on high alert, meaning he ordered country's nuclear weapons to be prepared for increased readiness to launch.
Zelenskyy's office said a delegation would meet with Russian officials near the Belarus border for talks.
Contributing: Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video of Ukraine's Zelenskyy on dance show goes viral amid conflict
