Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena, have been through significant challenges since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Married since 2003, the couple has two children. Olena, although not as publicly visible, supports her husband deeply, even during the ongoing conflict.

Olena, a law student when she met Zelenskyy, became a writer for his TV show Servant of the People, which later foreshadowed his presidency. When the war began, Olena chose to stay in Ukraine with their children, vowing to remain calm for their sake.

Their relationship has faced strains, with safety concerns preventing them from being together physically. Despite this, Olena shared that their emotional bond is stronger than ever. She emphasized the importance of respect in their relationship, saying it’s not just love but also mutual respect that sustains them.

Olena has also been vocal in international forums, stressing that Ukraine is fighting for its people and their homes, not just territory. She highlighted the dire situation of children abducted by Russia, noting that over 19,000 children have been taken, and only a fraction have been returned. Olena works with an international coalition to ensure these children’s safe return.