Russia thought it would topple Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky within days after invading in February 2022 for what it planned to be a quick victorious war.

Instead, the comedian-turned-leader became the face of his country's -- and Europe's -- resistance, repeatedly defying the odds in the face of relentless Russian attacks that have killed tens of thousands of his citizens.

Now Zelensky faces what he has called "one of the most difficult moments of our history", with Russia advancing at its fastest pace in a year and a domestic corruption scandal that has forced him to sack his powerful top aide.

And US President Donald Trump is pushing a peace plan that many in Kyiv see as quasi-capitulation, while also backing Russia's call for new presidential elections in Ukraine.

Despite polls bein

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