Zelenska and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the presidential office compound in Kyiv
Photo Credit: Vogue

This isn’t the first time Zelensky has faced backlash for the photoshoot. Republican Congresswomen Lauren Boebert and Texas Congresswoman Mayra Flores had previously questioned the optics of the shoot, given the significant American aid being provided to Ukraine.

“While we send Ukraine $60 billion in aid, Zelensky is doing photoshoots for Vogue. These people think we are nothing but a bunch of suckers,” Boebert posted. While Flores wrote, “Biden: Let’s continue to send billions of dollars in foreign aid to Ukraine, they need it! Reality: The Zelensky family graces us with a photo shoot to be on the cover of Vogue magazine.”

However, not everyone shares the same criticism. Tami Erwin, a Verizon executive, praised the Vogue feature, calling it “an outstanding profile.” Val Voschevska, a pro-Ukrainian activist, also defended the photoshoot, noting that Zelenska’s demeanor in the images was relatable and humanising, “She looks like any of us after a long day at the office – the only difference is that her job is protecting her country from war.”

Zelenska at Antonov Airport, in Hostomel, with a group of female Ukrainian soldiers
Photo Credit: Vogue

Zelensky himself has addressed the controversy on Wired Magazine’s cover, stating that he uses media to convey his message and said, “If you want people to perceive you as you are, you must use what people use.” His wife, Olena Zelenska, shared similar sentiments in the Vogue interview, highlighting the struggles faced by Ukrainians during the war, “These have been the most horrible months of my life, and the lives of every Ukrainian.”

The renewed debate surrounding the photoshoot comes at a sensitive time, with North Korea joining forces with Russia and US President Donald Trump distancing himself from Ukraine.