Volodymyr Zelenskyys wife shares news on abducted children

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, originally a comedian, rose to global prominence as the president of Ukraine, becoming a symbol of resilience during the ongoing war with Russia. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy has shouldered the immense responsibility of leading his nation through one of its darkest times. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy has never been alone. By his side is his unwavering support system—his wife, Olena Zelenska, who has worked tirelessly to provide stability for Ukrainians amidst the chaos of war.

Though she has not been in the public eye as frequently as her husband, Olena’s efforts have been equally crucial. Her dedication to her country and her family has been unyielding, especially as she continues to highlight the heartbreaking reality of Ukrainian children being abducted and taken to Russia. In a recent address, she revealed the ongoing struggle of this crisis, which remains dire as many children are still unable to return home.

Olena and Volodymyr share a deep bond, forged through years of shared experiences. However, when Zelenskyy first announced his candidacy for president, Olena was hesitant. Born Olena Kiyashko on February 5, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, she and Zelenskyy grew up in the same city, a week apart in age. Their paths first crossed at Kryvyi Rih National University, where Zelenskyy’s vibrant personality and humor made him well-known.

Though their connection was not immediate, their friendship eventually blossomed into romance. Zelenskyy admitted that he found it easier to approach women, but Olena was a different challenge. At the time, she was in another relationship and initially resisted his advances. However, their shared interests and deep conversations brought them closer, leading to an enduring bond.

After dating for eight years, they married on September 6, 2003. A year later, they welcomed their daughter, Aleksandra, followed by their son, Kiril, in 2013. At the time of their marriage, neither of them envisioned a future in politics. Zelenskyy was immersed in comedy, and Olena was a writer. Their professional paths converged when Olena began writing material for his performances, eventually playing a key behind-the-scenes role as Zelenskyy’s career skyrocketed, particularly with his hit comedy series Servant of the People.

The series, which aired from 2015 to 2019, humorously depicted an ordinary teacher who unexpectedly becomes the president of Ukraine—an ironic precursor to real life. After Zelenskyy’s election as president in 2019, Olena embraced her new role as First Lady, focusing on children’s health, school nutrition reforms, and promoting healthy eating. She visited medical centers and schools around the world, gathering ideas for Ukraine’s future.

However, everything changed in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Olena and their children remained in an undisclosed location within the country, steadfastly supporting Zelenskyy. She publicly vowed to remain strong for her family and the people of Ukraine. Yet the war put an enormous strain on their relationship. Due to security concerns, the couple was often separated for extended periods. Olena revealed the emotional toll of these separations, particularly on their children, who could only communicate with their father through phone calls.

In a heartfelt interview with Good Morning America, Olena described the painful goodbye on the first day of the war, not knowing when they would reunite. Despite the challenges, she remains incredibly proud of her husband, believing that their bond has only grown stronger through adversity. In an interview with Daily Mail, she reaffirmed that their marriage is built on mutual respect and unwavering trust.

Beyond her role as First Lady, Olena has become a vocal advocate for Ukraine’s interests on the global stage. She has championed the support of women entrepreneurs and spoken out about the devastation wrought by the war. On the Italian talk show Quarta Repubblica, she emphasized the importance of holding Russia accountable and securing continued global support for Ukraine. She stressed that the war is not just about territorial disputes, but about defending the rights and lives of Ukrainian citizens.

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of the conflict is the abduction of Ukrainian children. Over 19,000 children have been forcibly taken to Russia, with only 1,227 having been returned so far. To address this crisis, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was formed, with 41 countries now participating in the effort to bring these children home.

Through all the hardship, Olena remains committed to her work and to Ukraine’s future. She continues to stand by her husband, advocating for justice, peace, and the well-being of their people. Her resilience, dedication, and determination reflect her unwavering commitment to her country and its citizens.