Volodymyr Zelenskyy started as a comedian, then became a president, and now, due to recent events, he is one of the most recognized figures worldwide. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he has been at the forefront, representing his nation on the global stage.
The situation has become increasingly complex, yet despite leading a country at war, Zelenskyy isn’t alone—he has the unwavering support of his team and, most importantly, his wife, Olena Zelenska.
While Olena hasn’t been as visible as her husband, she has worked tirelessly to maintain a sense of normalcy for Ukrainians, even amidst the chaos. Recently, she addressed the tragic reality of Ukrainian children being abducted and taken to Russia. Unfortunately, the news was anything but hopeful.
Olena and Volodymyr Zelenskyy share a deep bond, having faced extraordinary circumstances together. However, when Zelenskyy announced his candidacy for president, Olena was reportedly not thrilled.
Born Olena Kiyashko on February 5, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, a city in central Ukraine, she and Volodymyr were born just a week apart. Although they grew up in the same town, they didn’t cross paths until university, where both studied at Kryvyi Rih National University.
Their romance began during their university years. Volodymyr was studying law but had dreams of becoming a comedian. When they first met, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight—at least not for him.
Nonetheless, after dating for eight years, they married on September 6, 2003. The following year, they welcomed their daughter, Aleksandra, and in 2013, their son, Kiril, was born.
When they got married, the idea of one day leading Ukraine never crossed their minds. Their careers initially took different paths, but as their relationship grew, they realized they complemented each other well.
As a writer, Olena eventually began crafting material for Volodymyr’s comedy performances. His career took off in the 2010s, particularly with the hit Ukrainian TV show Servant of the People, which aired from 2015 to 2019. Olena was one of the show’s writers.
Olena Zelenska’s Vision for Ukraine
In Servant of the People, Zelenskyy played a relatable high school teacher, Vasiliy Petrovich Goloborodko, who unexpectedly becomes president after railing against political corruption. Ironically, the show concluded in 2019 because its lead actor had, in real life, been elected as Ukraine’s president.
While Zelenskyy had a clear vision for the country, Olena also had her own causes to champion. It took six months for her and her team to determine their main focus, ultimately prioritizing children’s health and school nutrition reforms.
Her goal was to educate Ukrainian children about healthy eating and improve the quality of school meals. She collaborated with the Ministry of Health to develop a new school nutrition program. During international visits with her husband, she observed how other countries approached similar challenges.
“In Japan, for instance, every school has a dedicated nutritionist who ensures meals cater to children with allergies, and school kitchens are sterile, resembling operating rooms,” Olena explained. “I gathered countless ideas and realized that change is possible—you just have to truly want it and work hard.”
“This is not a normal relationship”
Today, Olena is known globally for very different reasons. When war erupted in 2022, she and their children, Aleksandra and Kiril, remained at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Just like her husband, she chose to stay and stand firm.
“I will not give in to panic or tears,” she wrote on Instagram. “I will remain calm and resolute. My children are watching me. I will be by their side, by my husband’s side, and with all of you.”
Neither she nor Zelenskyy could have predicted the situation Ukraine faces today. The war put their relationship to the ultimate test, and in the summer of 2022, Olena admitted they had to put their marriage “on pause.”
In an interview with CNN, she revealed how much the war had changed their relationship. Safety concerns meant they often went long periods without seeing each other.
“At least I can still physically feel his presence,” she said. “But this isn’t normal. It’s not normal for children to be unable to see their father, having to communicate only through phone calls. So, like many Ukrainians, our relationship is on hold.”
She added, “We need to conserve our strength and energy.”
The Day They Said Goodbye
In an interview with Good Morning America, Olena spoke about their separation, recalling how they had to say their goodbyes on the first day of the war.
“For the first two months, we could only talk over the phone. But I’m proud that the world now sees my husband’s true character,” she shared.
Being apart for an extended time is a challenge for any couple, and for the Zelenskyys, the separation has lasted far longer than months. Yet, despite the ongoing war, Olena insists their marriage remains strong. Speaking to Daily Mail, she emphasized that they have never let each other down.
“We don’t get tired of one another; we don’t bore each other. If anything, it has strengthened our family,” she said. “Living in a country at war is an immense psychological burden, but I hope that once we win and the pressure lifts, we will come out of this with our sanity intact. Right now, emotionally, we are as close as ever.”
She continued, “Mutual respect is crucial. Love alone isn’t enough. I’m grateful I respect my husband—without that, even deep love wouldn’t be enough to keep us together.”
Olena Zelenska on the Abducted Children
Despite the war, Olena continues her work as first lady. She has been a strong advocate for encouraging women to start businesses in Ukraine. However, she cannot ignore the grim realities of the conflict.
During an appearance on the Italian political show Quarta Repubblica, Olena stressed the importance of remembering who started the war and why the world must continue supporting Ukraine.
“Instead of stopping the aggressor and ensuring he never harms anyone again, people are discussing so-called ‘mutually beneficial dialogue’ with him. This distorts reality and blurs morality—it’s an extremely dangerous situation for everyone,” she said.
“We’re not fighting over land. We’re fighting for our people in the occupied territories. Their homes, jobs, schools, and communities matter. They deserve to live in their country without fear. We cannot abandon them.”
Since Russia’s invasion, countless civilians have been killed. According to Ukrainian authorities, over 19,000 children have been forcibly taken to Russia. Sadly, Olena recently revealed that only 1,227 have been successfully returned, with Russia actively obstructing the process.
“This isn’t a process that works efficiently,” she said. “That’s why we created the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children—to establish a functional system that ensures their return. Today, 41 countries have joined this coalition.”