We have no electricity, no water, no mobile connection, no internet connection, we can hear shelling, but we have no Russians – that’s why we are so happy. I was concerned, after the route at Kharkiv and the potential traps at Kherson, they fortunately did not eventuate.

President Zelensky visited the city, now named Time Person of the Year, this is one selection that has the support of just about everyone – apart from a former 2007 winner. This was a bold move, after months of occupation under a regime that has no qualms to rape, murder and torture the people in occupied regions.

Yet the Time Person of the Year does not carry that much weight since Putin himself got that award in 2007 for returning Russia to the table of world power, even if it came at a cost of democratic principles. Having Adolf Hitler (1938) and Joseph Stalin (1939) and in (1942) as winners takes the shine off of the award. Then there is Wallis Simpson (1936) and Harry Truman (1945), they might be a little controversial as winners Then there was Nixon (1971) in what would be considered a tad premature.

Zelensky is a genuine leader, multiple assassination attempts on his life, his refusal to flee the city, even as Russian troops neared the outskirts of Kyiv have enhanced his reputation. There has been reportedly twelve assassination attempts on his life during the Russian invasion, yet Zelensky refused to leave.

Without Zelensky’s bold leadership, the Ukrainian resistance may have folded, he has motivated the population, garnered international support and most importantly secured advanced western weapons and logistical support. The Ukrainian resistance has been fierce, they have used their limited resources to maximum effect. Even in occupied territory, the Ukrainian resistance has been determined, they provide coordinates for counter-attacks and missile strikes.