With the on-going Russia-Ukraine war for roughly three years, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy often makes the headlines. Many hail Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as someone who is strong-headed and courageous, especially at a time when his country is undergoing such a troublesome time. But who is the lady behind President Zelenskyy, his rock in such difficult and unstable times? Meet Olena Zelenska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s wife and the First Lady of Ukraine who prefers to stay away from the limelight. Read more about her and their heart-warming high-school love story here:
Who is Olena Zelenska?
BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 11: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska arrive for the 2024 Ukraine Recovery Conference on June 11, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. The two-day conference is bringing together international representatives from politics, business and civil society working towards the recovery, reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Born on February 6, 1978 in Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih, Olena Zelenska is a screenwriter and the current First Lady of Ukraine. In 2023, Olena Zelenska was named in the 100 Most Influential People of 2023 by TIME.
After dating for a few years, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska married on September 6, 2003. Over the years, the couple welcomed two children together: a son named Kyrylo, and a daughter named Oleksandra. The couple have been married for over 21 years, and they are often seen standing strong besides each other. They also often praise each other in interviews, thus reflecting the strong bond they share. For example, speaking to Vogue, Zelenskyy had shared how his wife, Olena, has a strong personality. This indeed helped uplift Ukrainians’ will especially during the Russia-Ukraine war.
“She has a strong personality to start with. And probably she is stronger than she thought she was. And this war – well, any war is probably bound to bring out qualities you never expected to have. She is my love. But she is my greatest friend. Olena really is my best friend. She is also a patriot and she deeply loves Ukraine. It’s true. And she is an excellent mother,” Zelenskyy told Vogue in praise of his wife.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska’s high-school romance
The Daily Mail once reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy first met his wife Olena when they were studying at the Kryvyi Rih National University. Volodymyr and Olena attended college together at Kryvyi Rih Economic Institute; Olena studied architecture while Volodymyr studied law. By October 1995, the duo started dating and after being together for roughly eight years, they decided to take their relationship to the next level. And so, in September 2003, the couple got married!
Over the years and having two children together, their love has stood the test of time and only grown stronger. Their heart-warming love story will surely touch people’s hearts.