Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize could go to an unexpected contender — Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have once again been included on the list of nominees. This initiative reflects not only political support but also an assessment of Ukraine’s role in the war and in European security. Find out why this nomination is being discussed and whether it will yield tangible results

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with the Ukrainian people, has been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The initiative aims to recognise the role of the country and its citizens in resisting Russian aggression and defending democratic values in Europe.

The nomination was submitted by a professor at the University of Oslo. The application emphasises that Ukraine has been in a state of resistance for over ten years — since 2014 — and has been waging a full-scale defence against Russia’s invasion since 2022.

Why Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians have been nominated

The nomination focuses on two levels simultaneously — the state and the public. On the one hand, it highlights the leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has managed to unite Ukrainian society in the face of war, maintain international attention and secure the support of partners. On the other, it emphasises the role of Ukrainians as a people who have become a symbol of resilience, self-organisation and a readiness to defend freedom.

Ukraine’s contribution to European security is highlighted separately. Resistance to Russian aggression is viewed not only as a national struggle but also as a factor of stability for the entire region.

Why this nomination is important

In fact, this is not merely about recognising a specific leader or country, but about sending a global signal. In this context, Ukraine emerges as a state that defends international law, democratic institutions and the right to sovereignty.

Such nominations shape the political and moral context surrounding the war, strengthening Ukraine’s position on the international stage and emphasising the importance of its struggle for the world at large.

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Zelenskyy is not a first-time nominee

This is not the first nomination for the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was first nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 — immediately after the start of the full-scale invasion. At that time, a number of European politicians and public figures launched an initiative to recognise his role as the leader of a country that found itself at the epicentre of the war.

In 2023 and 2024, he remained among the candidates. The main emphasis was placed on diplomatic efforts, the promotion of the Ukrainian peace formula, and the formation of an international coalition in support of Ukraine.

Why the prize has not yet been awarded

Despite regular nominations, the Nobel Peace Prize has not yet been awarded to either Volodymyr Zelenskyy or Ukraine. This is largely due to the traditional caution of the Nobel Committee.

As a rule, the committee avoids awarding the prize to current political leaders, especially if their countries are in a state of active conflict. Furthermore, preference is often given to candidates whose efforts have already led to a completed or long-term peaceful outcome.

In the case of Ukraine, the war is ongoing, and therefore a final assessment of the role of the state and its leader remains open for now.

Reminder! The 2026 Oscars ceremony was one of the most talked-about in recent years. The evening was memorable not only for Paul Thomas Anderson’s long-awaited triumph, but also for the high-profile scandal surrounding the documentary category, where a film about Russian propaganda took the prize. The Academy’s decision sparked a wave of criticism and debate, particularly given the absence of a Ukrainian film about the war from the shortlist. Find out which films and actors were the main winners at the 2026 Oscars and why the ceremony’s results caused so much controversy.

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

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