Amid the Russian attack on his country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has earned the admiration of the world, most especially his constituents, after his declaration that he will not go anywhere and will stay to defend Ukraine's sovereignty.
"The enemy has marked me down as the number one target. My family is the number two target. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state. I will stay in the capital. My family is also in Ukraine," Zelensky, a former actor, said in a video that went viral.
Aside from the love of his country, President Zelenksy also draws courage from the love of his life, Ukraine's First Lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, 44, whom he married in 2003. She is one of the most influential women in the country, Zelensky's most steadfast comrade, and the mother of their two lovely children.
Like her husband, Zelenska communicates with the people of Ukraine through social media, uplifting spirits amid the crisis that their country is going through.
In her Instagram post, she uploaded an image of a baby covered in a white blanket, with the caption (translated in English) "This child was born in the Kyiv bomb shelter. This was to take place in completely different conditions, under peaceful skies. It is what children should see.But the main thing is that despite the war, there were doctors and caring people on our streets next to her. She will be protected and defended. Because you are incredible, dear compatriots!"
The Wife of Volodymyr Zelensky
Olena Zelenska (whose maiden name is Olena Kiyashko) is an accomplished screenwriter, but initially, she took up architecture at Kryvyi Rih National University per Parade. She is among the co-founders of Studio Kvartal 95, the most prominent television and film production company in Ukraine.
She met Zelensky at the university when he was a budding comedian and law student. Eventually, Zelenska wrote for the comedy group that catapulted the now-president into the public spotlight, just in time for his breakout role as a satirical politician in the hit comedy series Servant of the People.
Zelensky's aspirations to enter politics were strongly opposed by Zelenska, who had previously lived a life away from public attention. Though, apparently, that did not stop him.
Working First Lady
As First Lady, Zelenska spearheaded initiatives on promoting gender equality, access to health services, proper nutrition, and spreading the Ukrainian language around the world.
In September 2020, she worked with French First Lady Brigitte Macron to promote physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and other programs aimed at securing women's equal opportunity.
Zelenska is also considered among the most stylish First Ladies in the world. She graced the pages of several prominent fashion publications showcasing her "Fashion diplomacy" to make significant statements. According to her interview with Diplomatic Courier, she does it to support Ukrainian artists and designers.
The Ukrainian First Lady believes that fashion also sends a message about a diplomat's country and its goals. "The President and I always want to represent Ukraine in a positive and strong way. It is a reflection of our actions and values," she said in a Tatler interview.
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