Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has shared with the Daily Mail how her relationship with her husband, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has changed over the past two years. Despite rare meetings and limited communication, their marriage, she says, has become stronger.
Zelenska noted that their 20-year relationship has become better thanks to the constant support and understanding of each other during a difficult period. She noted that their communication has become more emotional and warm. “I think we have become closer and more connected because we supported each other as we expected. I believe that I did not let him down, and he never lets me down. We do not see each other as often as I would like, but every meeting is a joy. We never get tired of each other, and this makes our family stronger,” the first lady shared.
Since the start of the war on February 24, 2022, the couple has been living separately. Olena Zelenska said that before they could only see each other for a few hours a week, but now they have the opportunity to communicate more often. “This is not a normal life for any person in a country at war. This is a constant psychological burden and pressure. I hope that when this pressure decreases, we will be able to remain sane and everything will be fine. But now I think that we are emotionally closer than ever,” Olena noted.
Zelenska emphasized that she is proud of her husband's resilience. She noted that his determination and endurance inspire her not to give up. “During the terrible days of the war, I never doubted his behavior for a second. But I am even more proud of his resilience. This is a long-term marathon, and showing courage once is possible, but constant devotion and strength in achieving a common goal requires much more. He is coping, and I pray that he does not lose his strength,” Olena added.
The couple is raising two children: an 11-year-old son, Kirill, and a 19-year-old daughter, Alexandra, who studies at one of the capital's universities.
