Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise to global recognition has been anything but ordinary. From a comedian to the president of Ukraine, and now a leader at the center of one of the world’s most pressing conflicts, his journey has captured the attention of millions. As the war with Russia continues, he carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders, but he is not alone. His wife, Olena Zelenska, has remained a steadfast supporter, both for him and for the people of Ukraine.
While she may not be in the spotlight as much as her husband, Olena has played an important role in maintaining a sense of stability for Ukrainians amid the turmoil. Recently, she addressed the heartbreaking issue of Ukrainian children being abducted and taken to Russia, a tragedy that has left many families in anguish. Unfortunately, her update offered little hope.
Olena and Volodymyr’s connection runs deep. They have been together through life’s biggest changes, including their unexpected journey into politics. When Volodymyr announced his bid for the presidency, Olena was reportedly hesitant. Born in 1978 in Kryvyi Rih, she grew up in the same city as her husband, though their paths did not cross until university.
Their relationship began during their student years, as Volodymyr studied law while also pursuing a passion for comedy. At first, their connection wasn’t instant, but over time, they built a strong bond. After eight years of dating, they married in 2003, welcoming their daughter, Aleksandra, a year later. Their son, Kiril, was born in 2013.
Back then, politics was not on their radar. Olena was focused on her writing career, while Volodymyr was making a name for himself in entertainment. As he gained fame in comedy, she supported him behind the scenes, writing scripts for his performances. Eventually, his hit television show, Servant of the People, propelled him to national stardom.
The show, which aired from 2015 to 2019, depicted a teacher who unexpectedly becomes Ukraine’s president due to his honest stance against corruption. The irony of fiction becoming reality was undeniable when Volodymyr ran for office in 2019 and won by a landslide.
As he stepped into the role of president, Olena also embraced her new responsibilities. She focused on improving children’s health and reforming school nutrition in Ukraine. Her goal was to create a system that encouraged healthier eating habits and provided students with better food options. She visited medical centers in other countries, including Japan, to learn about their advanced approaches to child nutrition.
She was particularly inspired by how Japanese schools employed nutritionists to ensure that children with allergies received proper meals. Witnessing their meticulous standards, she became even more determined to bring similar changes to Ukraine. She firmly believed that progress was possible with determination and hard work.
However, the war changed everything. When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, Olena and her children were forced to go into hiding. Despite the dangers, she refused to flee the country, choosing instead to remain by her husband’s side, even if they could not always be together.
In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed her determination to stay strong. “I will not have panic and tears,” she wrote. “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 put an immense strain on their relationship, forcing them apart for long periods due to security concerns. In an interview with CNN, Olena described the painful reality of their separation, saying, “This isn’t normal. It’s not a normal relationship when children cannot see their father and have to talk to him on the phone. So our relationship is on pause just as it is for all Ukrainians.”
Speaking with Good Morning America, she recalled the heartbreaking moment they said their goodbyes on the first day of the invasion. “Over the next two months, we only had a chance to speak via the phone,” she shared. “I’m really proud of the fact that the world has uncovered the true identity of my husband.”
Despite the hardships, their bond remains unbreakable. In a later interview, Olena revealed that the war had made their relationship stronger. “We’re never tired of each other, we never bore each other. And it makes the family stronger, too,” she said. She admitted that the psychological toll of war is overwhelming but believes that when Ukraine wins, they will find healing together.
Beyond supporting her husband, Olena has continued her advocacy work. She has been a strong proponent of empowering Ukrainian women, encouraging them to start businesses and contribute to the country’s resilience. However, the harsh reality of war is always present, especially when it comes to the fate of Ukraine’s children.
Speaking on an Italian news program, she emphasized the importance of keeping the world’s attention on Ukraine’s plight. “Instead of stopping the aggressor and ensuring that he can never harm anyone again, discussions begin about some so-called mutually beneficial dialogue with him. This is a distortion of reality, a blurring of morality. And it is an extremely dangerous situation for everyone,” she warned.
She stressed that Ukraine’s fight is not just about reclaiming lost territory—it is about protecting its people. “We are fighting for our people in the occupied territories. These kilometers are their homes, their jobs, their schools, their familiar streets. These people have the right to live in their country without fear. We cannot leave them in danger.”
One of the most devastating consequences of the war has been the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, more than 19,000 children have been taken. Olena recently revealed the tragic reality that only 1,227 of them have been returned home.
Russia has been actively obstructing efforts to reunite these children with their families. In response, Ukraine has launched the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which now includes 41 countries working together to bring these children back.
Although the war continues, Olena refuses to lose hope. She remains committed to her role as a mother, a wife, and a leader, determined to see Ukraine through this crisis. Her resilience and dedication stand as a testament to the strength of the Ukrainian people, who continue to fight not just for their land, but for their future.