Book of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s speeches to hit shelves in December

Penguin Random House plans to publish wartime monologues from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a collection titled “A Message from Ukraine.” The book is due out on Dec. 6.

“Supporting Ukraine is not a trend, a meme or a viral challenge,” the 44-year-old world leader said in a statement from Crown, the imprint publishing the book.

Zelenskyy became the face of resilience when his country was attacked by Russia in late February, starting a war many thought would last only a few weeks. Fighting continues as the end of the year draws near, with both countries experiencing heavy losses. Ukraine has been celebrated worldwide for its tenacious resistance.

“If you want to understand who we are, where we are from, what we want and where we are going, you need to learn more about who we are,” Zelenskyy said in his statement. “This book will help you do just that.”

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Proceeds from the book will benefit charities supporting Ukraine. It includes 16 speeches handpicked by Zelenskyy, who has given more than 1,000 public addresses since taking office.

Prior to assuming the presidency in May 2019, Zelenskyy starred in the TV comedy “Servant of the People,” in which he played a school teacher who became his country’s president. On screen and in real life, he campaigned on an anti-corruption platform.

“A Message from Ukraine” will include a preface by the Economist’s editor for Russia and Eastern Europe, Arkady Ostrovsky.

With News Wire Services