Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s path from comedian to Ukrainian president has been anything but ordinary. While he now leads a nation at war, his wife, Olena Zelenska, has played an equally significant role, offering support and stability during these turbulent times. Though not always in the spotlight, she has remained a powerful voice for her country, advocating for those suffering the most—especially children.
While the war has dominated headlines, Olena has focused on maintaining a sense of normalcy for Ukrainians. Recently, she addressed the heartbreaking issue of children being forcibly taken from Ukraine and sent to Russia. The situation remains dire, with little progress in bringing them home.
Olena and Volodymyr’s story began long before politics entered their lives. Born in the same city, Kryvyi Rih, in 1978, they did not meet until university. Volodymyr, studying law while pursuing comedy, and Olena, an aspiring writer, found common ground and soon began a relationship.
After dating for eight years, they married in 2003, welcoming their daughter, Aleksandra, a year later. Their son, Kiril, was born in 2013. At the time, politics was the last thing on their minds. Volodymyr focused on comedy, while Olena wrote scripts for his projects, including the hit series Servant of the People.
The show, which aired from 2015 to 2019, was a political satire that saw Zelenskyy play a teacher who unexpectedly becomes Ukraine’s president. In an ironic twist, fiction became reality when he won the actual presidency in 2019.
As First Lady, Olena dedicated herself to improving children’s health and reforming school nutrition. Inspired by global practices, she pushed for healthier meals in Ukrainian schools and sought to educate children on better eating habits.
Then, in 2022, everything changed. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Olena and her children were forced into hiding. Despite the danger, she refused to leave, choosing to stand by her husband and country.
Determined to remain strong, she wrote on Instagram: “I will not have panic and tears. I will be calm and confident. My children are looking at me. I will be next to them. And next to my husband. And with you.”
The war has deeply affected their personal lives. Due to security concerns, the couple has spent long periods apart. Speaking with CNN, Olena described how their relationship had been put “on pause,” much like many Ukrainian families. “It’s not normal. Children should not have to talk to their father only by phone,” she said.
In an interview with Good Morning America, she revealed that they had to say goodbye on the first day of the war and did not see each other for months. “I’m proud that the world has seen the true identity of my husband,” she shared.
Despite the hardships, their bond remains unshaken. In an interview with Daily Mail, Olena explained how the war had strengthened their marriage. “We never tire of each other. It makes the family stronger, too.”
Beyond supporting her husband, Olena has continued championing key issues. She has encouraged Ukrainian women to start businesses, helping to stabilize the country’s economy. However, the suffering caused by war is impossible to ignore, particularly when it comes to the thousands of children taken to Russia.
Speaking on an Italian news program, she stressed the need to keep the world’s attention on Ukraine. “Instead of stopping the aggressor, discussions start about ‘mutually beneficial dialogue.’ This distorts reality and morality,” she warned.
She emphasized that Ukraine’s fight is not just about reclaiming land but protecting its people. “These kilometers are homes, schools, and lives. We cannot abandon them to danger.”
One of the most distressing aspects of the war has been the abduction of Ukrainian children. According to officials, over 19,000 children have been taken, yet only 1,227 have been returned.
Russia continues to obstruct these efforts, making reunification incredibly difficult. In response, Ukraine has launched the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, now supported by 41 countries.
Despite the horrors unfolding around her, Olena remains steadfast. Her determination to protect Ukraine’s people, especially its children, has made her a symbol of strength and hope. Even in the darkest times, she continues to fight, proving that resilience and love for one’s country can endure even the toughest challenges.
