A rehearsal for war: Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s path from comic to symbol of courage

From the voice of Paddington to the man determined to save Ukraine from the Russian invasion

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken an unusual path to become a world leader and defender of democracy.  Picture: PA

Hugh Bonneville was as surprised as anyone this week to learn of the extent of the talents of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Until today,” he tweeted, “I had no idea who provided the voice of Paddington Bear in Ukraine.”