Volodymyr Zelensky and 'the spirit of Ukraine' named Time's 2022 'Person of the Year'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and “the spirit of Ukraine” have been named Time’s 2022 “Person of the Year,” the magazine announced Wednesday.

The 44-year-old leader became a symbol of Ukrainian resiliency and resistance in the weeks and months after Russia began bombing the former Soviet country on Feb. 24

"This year's choice was the most clear-cut in memory. Whether the battle for Ukraine fills one with hope or with fear, the world marched to Volodymyr Zelensky's beat in 2022," Time Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal wrote.

“For proving that courage can be as contagious as fear, for stirring people and nations to come together in defense of freedom, for reminding the world of the fragility of democracy–and of peace, Volodymyr Zelensky and the spirit of Ukraine are Time’s 2022 Person of the Year.”

Contender's for this year's Person of the Year included several people or entities who have made waves in U.S. politics this year, including outgoing Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision this summer, and possible 2024 presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Previous Time Persons of the Year include Elon Musk in 2021, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2016. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently leading the country's military assault against Ukraine, was named Time Person of the Year in 2007.

Time also announced other accolades on Monday, including The Women of Iran as Heroes of the Year, actress Michelle Yeoh as Icon of the Year and country music artist Mickey Guyton as Breakthrough Artist of the Year.