Ukrainian First Lady on War and Marriage

In a recent interview, Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, expressed how the ongoing conflict with Russia has fortified her marriage to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She praised her husband's resilience during the turmoil, stating that his endurance amidst the bloodshed is a testament to her choice of partner two decades ago. Despite the challenges posed by the war, including living apart from her husband and their two children since the invasion began in February 2022, she remains unwavering in her support and pride for his leadership. Zelenska emphasized that the war has only reinforced her belief in Zelenskyy’s capabilities, describing the situation as a “long-lasting marathon.” She noted that during the early, harrowing days of the conflict, she had no doubts about how he would respond, further solidifying her confidence in their partnership. However, her admiration for her husband contrasts sharply with her feelings towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom she described as a “monster” leading the Kremlin. Addressing concerns about potential shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly regarding Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric about military funding, Zelenska expressed hope that such scenarios remain speculative. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains tense, with reports of Russian kamikaze drones entering Ukrainian airspace, highlighting ongoing military challenges. Experts have criticized Russia for its apparent intelligence failures as Ukraine continues to make significant advances in the conflict.