Radio NV observer describes Zelenskyy as visibly tense at latest media meeting - video
Zelenskyy looked tense during press meeting - Zabelina (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared noticeably tense and seemed to be "in anticipation of some threat" during an off-the-record meeting with journalists, Radio NV political observer Yuliya Zabelina said on Aug. 23.
"It is interesting for me to compare the president from one meeting to the next. I will say that he certainly did not look calm," she stated.
The observer noted that the president appeared visibly strained throughout the interaction.
"He did not look irritated, but rather somewhat anxious," she said.
"This wasn't triggered by any single specific question. It wasn't as if he heard the name of [former Defense Minister Mykhailo] Fedorov and immediately tensed up. Rather, it was an overarching psychological backdrop that was clearly visible."
Zabelina also emphasized that Zelenskyy answered every question posed by the press corps without evasion.
"Not once did the president stop anyone or reply with 'I don't want to comment on this' or say that a topic was too sensitive. He did so only once, and that pertained strictly to defense operational matters," she added.
In Zabelina’s assessment, previous communication formats saw the head of state project far greater composure.
"Overall, the president gave the impression of someone trying to understand what to expect next. I would describe it as being in anticipation of some threat. He definitely did not look relaxed. That is entirely understandable given the massive volume of issues on his plate," she remarked.
On Aug. 22, Zelenskyy convened an off-the-record briefing with members of the press, with specific talking points later cleared for public release.
During the conversation, Zelenskyy stated that he met with former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov four times to offer "different formats for continued government service," but Fedorov declined each proposal.
Addressing questions regarding former Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra — who has been linked to allegations involving financial laundering schemes — Zelenskyy remarked that he possesses no more details than what has already been reported by investigative journalists.
Zelenskyy confirmed to reporters that he has selected a candidate to serve as Ukraine’s next ambassador to the United States.
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