Olena Zelenska – who is the wife of the President of Ukraine?

With Vlodymyr Zelensky at the head of the military, his wife, Olena Zelenska, has a different task – fighting to ensure that Ukraine is remembered anew every day by the whole world. Although she was offered asylum in the US, she stayed in her country. Commitment is nothing new for her. Even before the war, she actively fought for the rights of women and minorities, including. people with disabilities. 

However, in an interview with UkrainianVogue, she admitted: “My husband is always in the lead, and I feel better in the shadows.” Who is Olena Zelenska – the first lady of Ukraine?

Olena Zelenska, 44, was born in Crooked Horn. She comes from an educated family – her mother was the factory’s chief engineer, and her father taught construction at the polytechnic. Information on her siblings is inconclusive. She brought Christian values from her home.

Originally she was to become an architect – she graduated from the Krzyworoski Technical University. Professionally, however, she took up writing. She created scripts for the company founded in the early 2000s. “Quarter 95” studios. – a popular Ukrainian art group that produces TV series, skits, TV shows, movies and other formats. 

The studio has been praised not only by viewers, but also by critics. Among the numerous awards they have received are, for example. Golden Pen of Ukraine in the field of journalism.

Olena met her husband, Vlodomyr, in college. They later became one of the founders of the “Quarter 95” studio. Interestingly, the couple had already gone to school together in their youth, although at the time they reportedly had no contact with each other at all. They started dating when she was 17. In 2003. They got married. They are also the parents of two children.

When 2018. Zelenski decided to run for president, she was not at all convinced. In fact, she learned about the decision from social media. However, she supported her husband – and continues to do so today.

Since the circumstances of the family’s life in 2022 had changed forever, Olena Zelenska did not want to be idle – after all, she had begun to wield power that it was a shame not to use…. She knew she could not remain silent – despite her character.

In an interview with Vogue, she admitted: “I have found for myself reasons for publicity. One of them is the opportunity to bring important social issues to people’s attention.”

She and her advisors developed a program that she wanted to focus on during her husband’s presidency. At the same time, she continued to work on the scripts of the “Quarter 95” group and raised her children.

Among Zelenskaya’s priorities was the fight for equal opportunities for women and minorities, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, who face many difficulties on a daily basis.

She has spoken three times at the Ukrainian Women’s Congress. Thanks to her, Ukraine also joined the Biarritz Partnership (which is an initiative of the G-7 countries on gender equality). During the 2020 ceremony. Olena said:

“This is an important step for Ukraine towards equality in the broadest sense – regardless of gender, age, cultural, physical or mental differences.”

The real revolution in Ukraine was also the school feeding reform (went into effect on September 1, 2021), which Olena spearheaded. 

What else did the first lady care about? Among other things, on the propagation of Ukrainian culture. During official visits, she promoted Ukrainian designers. 

Olena Zelenska is a true woman of power! You can read more about the power of the feminine element on GentleWoman in the article In search of feminine power.

“I’m not going to panic and cry. I will be calm and confident. My children are looking at me. I will be next to them. And I will be next to my husband. And next to you” – so Olena Zelenska wrote on Instagram on February 24, the day Russia attacked Ukraine. 

President Zelenski’s wife seems to have taken on two responsibilities. First, it supports Ukrainian society – especially the part that is not fighting on the front lines. Second, it seeks to turn the eyes of the world to the situation in Ukraine. 

He often publishes photos and videos showing Russian barbarism. On his Instagram, he also remembers people who have died – children, servicemen, doctors… In addition, he meets and talks with heads of state, supports centers for people in refugee crisis and attends conferences.

It seems that Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska is doing a lot more than that! He actively influences not only the morale of Ukrainian women and men, but also seeks solutions. It is a support and strength that has not been broken by Russian aggression. GentleWoman is pleased to introduce you to her character!