Fictional president poised to become the real thing as TV comedian brings ‘populism 2.0’ to Ukraine

July 11, 2020 / By mobanmarket

At a Soviet-era circus theatre just days before Ukraine’s presidential election, the frontrunner in the race held his audience rapt with a mix of boob jokes and vaguely patriotic songs.  

“What’s my favourite sex pose?” comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked, supposedly testing the ability of a “body double” to impersonate him.

“Missionary style. Because you like to help people,” the body double quipped. 

Mr Zelenskiy, 41, has shunned stump speeches in favour of skits about ditzy female football referees as he tours Ukraine with his comedy troupe.  

Combined with the popularity of his television show Servant of the People, in which he plays a teacher who becomes president, this approach—heavy on…

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