Controversy over Ukraine presidential couple's Vogue photoshoot

The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's latest media appearance with first lady, Olena Zelenska, has split opinion, with many claiming the images shot for Vogue magazine undermine the severity of the war. 

Information has been a key weapon in Russia's war on Ukraine, with both sides running extensive media campaigns to garner support. 

The Ukrainian president has harnessed the power of social media throughout the war, posting regular selfie video updates on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. 

The striking photographs by legendary US photographer Annie Leibovitz are accompanied by a written feature, Portrait of Bravery: Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.

Rachel Donadio's article reflects on the emotional toll of the war on Ukrainians, and Olena Zelenska's struggles to adapt to suddenly being thrust "centre stage in a tragedy".

However, some users took to Twitter to question the seriousness of the Ukrainian president, suggesting his battle to protect the country is a front.

US politicians have also weighed into the online debate, criticising the military aid sent to Ukraine. 

Lauren Boebert, a Republican politician and avid gun supporter, said that Zelenskyy had taken her country's citizens as "a bunch of suckers".

Others simply found the Vogue cover to be in poor taste, given the nature of the glossy high fashion magazine, compared to the gruelling reality of life for Ukrainians on the ground or those fleeing the worn-torn country. 

Professor Anjana Susarla from Michigan State University has studied Zelenskyy's communication tactics over the past five months. She argues that his self-shot video messages were succeeding in rallying support for Ukraine. 

“It was someone we could relate to. He looks like any of us and