How have four years of war in Ukraine changed its two central figures?

Throughout the 1,460 days of the Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin have undergone significant transformations as the conflict enters its fifth year, with Sky News examining how the prolonged warfare has reshaped both leaders' domestic and international standing, personal lives, and leadership approaches. Zelenskyy has experienced one of the most dramatic image transformations of any contemporary leader, evolving from a relatively inexperienced president often seen in suits to a central symbol of resistance who rarely appears in anything other than military fatigues. His decision to remain in Kyiv during the initial invasion became iconic, with his reported response 'The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride' to US officials as Russian forces approached the capital. Domestically, Zelenskyy initially enjoyed an approval surge as Ukrainians rallied behind their leader, though recent economic strain and political controversies have seen his ratings slightly decline, though he maintains broad support. Internationally, however, his standing has skyrocketed, with him becoming not just Ukraine's leader but the face of its diplomatic effort, framing the war as a struggle between democracy and authoritarianism to sustain foreign support. Personally, the war has taken a toll on Zelenskyy and his family, with his wife noting he has become more emotionally sensitive to family matters, appreciating simple communications with his children more than before the conflict. Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initially expected Ukraine to capitulate within days, has seen his global standing deteriorate to pariah status as the war has prolonged. Domestically, his popularity has been sustained through state-controlled messaging, repression of dissent, and wartime patriotic mobilization, despite economic strain and military setbacks. His approval ratings initially rose sharply after the invasion began, reaching some of the highest figures in years, though independent assessment of true public opinion remains difficult given Russia's censorship and media control. Internationally, Putin has become increasingly isolated, with Western governments severing ties entirely and Russia's diplomatic circle narrowing to include primarily China, North Korea, and a few other allies. Notably, the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency has brought a shift in relations between the two powers, with several phone calls and a face-to-face meeting in Alaska suggesting a desire to redefine their relationship. Personally, Putin has acknowledged the war has changed him, stating he 'jokes less' and 'almost stop laughing' since the conflict began, and appears to have become more physically and socially isolated, with reduced foreign travel and fewer spontaneous public interactions compared to pre-war years.