Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, has spoken out for the first time about how the Russian war has affected her family emotionally.
In an interview with the BBC, Zelenska stated that she had been separated from her husband, Volodymyr Zelensky, for more than a year owing to security risks resulting from the ongoing conflict, and that it had taken a toll on her family.
“This may be a bit selfish, but I need my husband, not a historical figure, by my side,” she told BBC in an interview posted online Tuesday morning (Sept 5).
“But we stay strong, we have strength both emotionally and physically. And I am sure we will handle it together,” she added.
She spent the first months of the Russian invasion hiding with her children in covert locations.
Separated for over a year
Zelenska described the initial critical days as “a constant feeling of adrenaline” before forcing herself to accept “the existing conditions.”
Volodymyr Zelensky’s movements have been kept hidden due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We don’t live together with my husband, the family is separated,” Zelenska said.
“We have the opportunity to see each other but not as often as we would like. My son misses his father.”
She claimed that the war’s uncertainties had cost her family dearly.
“My kids miss him”
‘It saddens me to see my children not plan anything. Young people at this age. My daughter is 19 years old. They fantasize about traveling and experiencing new sensations and emotions. She does not have such a chance,’ she was quoted as saying.
In high school, Zelenska met her spouse. They then collaborated in a comedy group and a television studio, with him as a performer and her as a scriptwriter.
She now claims that she never imagined her husband being the “historical figure” he is today and that she has missed him and relied on him to be her spouse.
Despite admitting that her thoughts are a “selfish” longing, Zelenska stated that the president “really does have the energy, willpower, inspiration, and stubbornness to go through this war.”
“I believe in him. And I support him. I know that he has enough strength. For any other person I know, I think, it would be much harder in this situation. He is a very strong and resilient person. And this resilience is what we all need right now.”
Zelenska is now always accompanied by bodyguards as she travels around the world to raise support for her hometown and her husband.