Protocol and diplomacy as weapons of war: official visits to Zelensky in Ukraine in the warlike context of the 21st century.

Abstract

Since February, Ukraine has been facing a second part of the affront with Russia over part of its territory. In this warlike context in the 21st century, it can be seen how the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelensky, takes a leading role in giving visibility to the conflict, demonstrating strength and requesting help from other sovereign states and international organizations in this affront.

Within the shows of support, we have witnessed a situation never before observed so naturally, such as the institutional visits received in Kyiv by international leaders, as is usually done in a peaceful context but with the nuance of being in a moment of uncertainty before possible Russian attacks while they carry it out. Likewise, the objectives also differ from those we are used to for these bilateral meetings.

It is in this political and institutional framework, where this work makes sense, by analyzing the visits received by Zelensky in kyiv, creating a new typology, and where it is shown how the protocol and the ceremonial continue to have much to say even when the environment is hostile, forming part of the tools for communication in times of war.