Politico's 2023 Most Influential People ranking has identified Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a defining figure in the "Dreamers" category. In particular, the publication also recognized the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, as one of the best politicians. Learn more about the most influential people in Europe and who topped the list this year

Order branded Visit Ukraine merchandise and support Ukraine (worldwide delivery)

BUY

The American publication Politico has presented a list of the 28 most influential people in Europe in 2023. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak were among them. 

Here's a look at the categories in which Ukrainian politicians were recognized.

The most influential people in Europe according to Politico

The rating includes three categories: "Doers, Disrupters and Dreamers, each of which consists of nine people. 

Andriy Yermak was ranked fourth among the Doers. This category also includes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (second place), French President Emmanuel Macron (third place), as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, far-right politician Marine Le Pen, European Central Bank Governor Christine Lagarde, and British Labour leader Keir Starmer.

Why has Politico named Yermak one of the most influential politicians in Europe?

The publication defines Andriy Yermak as Kyiv's "green cardinal" because of his key role in working with developing countries to remove them from the sphere of influence of Russian President vladimir putin. 

Yermak's importance is highlighted in the context of his participation in international negotiations and agreements, although this area is the responsibility of the president, not his assistant, according to the Ukrainian Constitution.

Politico points to the Ukrainian politician's success in conducting peace talks with China in Saudi Arabia and his initiative to expand anti-Russian sanctions. However, the publication also emphasizes his ties to corruption scandals, including the indictments of his brother and deputy.

The American publication defines Yermak as a key player in the government and parliament, holding the reins of power in Ukraine and performing important tasks in international relations. 

The importance of the "green cardinal of Kyiv" is also particularly emphasized in 2024, when Ukraine may face elections during wartime.

Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

Chief dreamer of the year: Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

President Zelenskyy was named the most influential person in Europe in the category of "Dreamers". He was described as someone who "runs a long marathon". 

According to Politico, the "Dreamers" of the year include:

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy

• Alexei Navalny

• Gerald Darmanen

• Roberta Metzol

• Mary Lou MacDonald

• Peter Pavel

• Thomas Bach

• Nigel Farage

• Jenny Hermoso

The publication also noted that the absence from the list does not mean a final verdict, and some people may return to it in the future.

Politico's ranking identifies the people who will have the greatest impact on events in 2024. Last year, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was at the top of the list, and the success of his choice was linked to Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO.

This year, the main nomination for the most influential person of the year was won by the future Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose return to power in Poland was called "the wind of change."

"Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Sometimes a leader emerges who single-handedly changes the course of history, not through the power of his army or economy, but through the power of his words. The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become such a leader," the rating compilers noted.

However, this year, circumstances have changed, and Ukrainians have shown fatigue from the ongoing war. The publication notes that Ukraine continues its fight against the Russian invasion, but the situation has become more complicated.

Other categories

Politico's "Disruptors" of the Year category includes prominent figures who are notable for their influential activities and are often associated with significant changes in the political landscape. Among these individuals are:

• Carles Puigdemont

• Viktor Orban

• Annalena Burbock

• Manfred Weber

• Tom Van Grieken

• Jovita Neliupšienė

• Bidzina Ivanishvili

• Bjorn Hökke

These figures are defined by their ability to create and set trends, make changes in the political picture, and initiate discussions on important public issues.

Politico notes that the ranking was created in a time of great instability and unpredictability, with wars on Europe's doorstep and uncertain election results.

Photo: president.gov.ua

We remind you! Earlier, we wrote that financial and military support for Ukraine was called into question by the appointment of a new Speaker of the House of Representatives. Read our article to find out why Mike Johnson is called a Trumpist and how his position on Ukraine may affect US aid.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

You may be interested in:

Visit Ukraine Donation - make a good deed and an important contribution to the Victory of Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal advice - comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery;

Visit Ukraine News - get the latest news and updates in our Telegram channel;

Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.

© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.