Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his career as a comedian, later became the president of Ukraine, and is now one of the most recognizable figures globally due to the ongoing war. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, he has stood as a symbol of resilience, carrying the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders.
Despite the challenges he faces, he is not alone. Alongside his dedicated staff, he has unwavering support from his wife, Olena Zelenska. Although she has not been in the public eye as frequently as her husband, she has worked tirelessly to provide a sense of normalcy for Ukrainians amid the turmoil. Recently, she addressed the tragic reality of Ukrainian children abducted and taken to Russia, revealing that the situation remains grim.
Olena and Volodymyr Zelenskyy share a deep bond and have endured extraordinary circumstances together. However, when Zelenskyy announced his candidacy for the presidency, Olena was reportedly hesitant about the decision.
Born as Olena Kiyashko on February 5, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, she and Zelenskyy were raised in the same city, just a week apart in age. They first crossed paths at Kryvyi Rih National University, where their connection began.
Recalling their early encounters, Olena shared that she does not remember the exact moment their paths first crossed. However, Zelenskyy was well-known at school for his vibrant personality and humor. Their friendship eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship, though it was not love at first sight for him.
Zelenskyy once admitted that he found it easy to approach women, but Olena presented a challenge. She was in another relationship at the time and initially resisted his advances. Yet, their shared interests and conversations drew them closer, forming the foundation of their relationship.
After dating for eight years, the couple married on September 6, 2003. The following year, they welcomed their daughter, Aleksandra, and in 2013, their son, Kiril, was born.
At the time of their marriage, neither had envisioned a future in politics. Zelenskyy was pursuing a career in comedy, and Olena worked as a writer. Their professional paths intertwined when she began writing material for his performances. As Zelenskyy’s career took off, particularly with the success of the comedy series Servant of the People, Olena played a significant role behind the scenes. The show, which ran from 2015 to 2019, humorously depicted an ordinary teacher who unexpectedly became the president of Ukraine—an ironic foreshadowing of real life.
Following Zelenskyy’s election in 2019, Olena embarked on her own initiatives as First Lady, focusing on children’s health and school nutrition reforms. She aimed to educate students on healthy eating and improve the quality of food in schools, drawing inspiration from other countries’ successful programs. Her visits to medical centers and schools abroad reinforced her belief that meaningful change was possible through dedication and hard work.
However, their lives took a drastic turn in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Olena and their children reportedly remained in an undisclosed location within the country, standing firm alongside her husband. She expressed her determination on social media, vowing to remain strong for her children, her husband, and the people of Ukraine.
With the war placing immense strain on their lives, Olena revealed that she and Zelenskyy had to put their relationship on hold. Due to security concerns, they were often unable to see each other for extended periods. She described their situation as anything but normal, emphasizing the emotional burden of separation, particularly for their children, who could only communicate with their father through phone calls.
Speaking with Good Morning America, Olena recalled how they said goodbye on the first day of the war, not knowing when they would reunite. Despite the prolonged separation, she remains proud of her husband and believes their bond has only strengthened through these hardships. In an interview with Daily Mail, she affirmed that their marriage remains strong, built on mutual respect and unwavering trust.
Beyond her role as First Lady, Olena has been a vocal advocate for Ukraine on the international stage. She has championed efforts to support women entrepreneurs and spoken out about the ongoing devastation caused by the war. Recently, during an appearance on the Italian talk show Quarta Repubblica, she highlighted the importance of holding Russia accountable and ensuring global support for Ukraine remains steadfast. She emphasized that the war is not just about territorial disputes but about the lives and rights of Ukrainian citizens.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the conflict is the abduction of Ukrainian children. According to Ukrainian officials, more than 19,000 children have been taken to Russia. Olena recently revealed that only 1,227 have been returned, as Russia continues to obstruct efforts to bring them back. To address this crisis, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was established, with 41 countries now participating in the initiative.
Despite the unimaginable difficulties, Olena remains committed to her work and to Ukraine’s future. She continues to stand alongside her husband, advocating for their people and pushing for justice amid the ongoing war. Her resilience and determination serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to Ukraine and its citizens.
