Volodymyr Zelensky, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a top source, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 21/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Zelensky for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 48-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Zelensky so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘Ukrainian Of The Year’ by some major Ukrainian newspapers and even ‘Kryvyi Rih Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Kryvyi Rih (Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the politician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Volodymyr Zelensky Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 20 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Volodymyr has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 20 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Volodymyr Zelensky?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 20 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Volodymyr Zelensky?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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