The Financial Times has named Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the Person of the Year. The Ukrainian president has become a standard bearer for liberal democracy in the wider global contest with authoritarianism that could define the course of the 21st century. Zelenskyy has also come to embody the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression.  

The FT has made key content of the war in Ukraine free to read since February to make important and authoritative journalism available to everyone, not only subscribers. In June Zelenskyy joined the Financial Times’ Global Boardroom digital conference, giving a 25-minute live interview with FT editor Roula Khalaf.

In September the FT was recognised for digital coverage of war in Ukraine at the Future of Media Awards. The judges praised the FT’s “expertly explained” coverage, and ability to combine “frontline journalistic bravery and rigour with innovative digital storytelling.” They credited the immersive visual explainer on Russia’s military missteps and the Ukrainian resistance, which combined maps, open source reporting and expert analysis.

The FT has been selecting a Person of the Year since 1970. This is a reflection of an individual’s impact on the world and not an endorsement. Past winners have included Barack Obama, Rupert Murdoch, Angela Merkel and Jack Ma. The 2021 winner Elon Musk.

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For more information please contact:

UK - Mark Staniland | mark.staniland@ft.com

US - Molly Eisner | molly.eisner@ft.com 

Photo credits: Serhii Korovayny/FT

About the Financial Times

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of 1.2 million, more than one million of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community.