The first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska did an exclusive interview with Vogue. The first lady of Ukraine addressed the Russian invasion, its effects and Ukraine’s firm statement on not giving up their motherland. Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska is wife of Ukrainian president Volodomyr Zelenskyy and thus first lady of Ukraine. The couple have two children, an elder girl and a young boy.
When questioned about how she dealt with her children when they inquired about the current situation, she simply replied that kids are innocent and should be told as the things are. We should not fake things, scenarios because they themselves are able to comprehend things. There honesty is their innocence and not just about her own children, every single child in Ukraine knows what is going on.
The first lady of Ukraine is chiefly a screenwriter and became first lady on 20th May, 2019. The couple were schoolmates and didn’t know each other until very late when they were in college studying there respective field. Zelenskyy married Olena on 2003 after dating for eight years. Since then the couple has been together and still is standing firm in this perilous situation.
In the interview with Vogue Ukraine Zelenska was asked about her memories on the earliest days of invasion. Olena Zelenska responded with remembering the beginning very well. The whole day and evening went normal like every other day but everywhere everyone was talking about a possible invasion. But in a modern world andd in twenty first century it seemed almost impossible. The last time when she saw her husband dressed in suit as usual was on early morning of the invasion since then on it was military.
Saying that talking about the ongoing situation with her children was the best psychological strategy because children are very innocent and honest and they need to know everything they need to know the truth.
When objected to public feelings the first lady acknowledged the unity in Ukrainians. The urge to defend their freedom from aggression and torture. Calling Vlamidir Putin a Tyrant who keeps on going with agenda of division and provocation of conflict within people. Citing Russian military forces as barbarians who are trying to take over the country. The first lady of Ukraine is proud to exclaim Ukrainians as patriots and defenders of their motherland.
When asked about how she coped emotionally during all these set of circumstances she remained hopeful and replied with calmness about her feelings. Initially she said there was no space for sentiments to reside and she knew very well that her kids were her top priority and they were the ones who should be taken care of. Their emotional states mattered more. And about her husband she said that she had only been communicating him over phone.
When questioned particularly about women in Ukraine Olena reported that during very early invasion a woman had to give birth in bomb shelter but since then thousands of women have given birth in bomb shelters because of the destruction Russia has created in Ukraine. The decimation of Ukraine’s necessary infrastructure is the main reason why women are particularly suffering in Ukraine.
The women and children of Mariupol, Kherson, Berdyansk, Melitopol are still living in ruins of the city. It is a living nightmare for the people. Also Vogue raised the question about Russia crossing every line of uncertain events. The first lady answered that the line had been crossed on very first day of invasion. Citing a incident where Russian military troops killed a civilian gas service dispatcher who was just minding her business.
Edited By: Khushi Thakur
Published By: Bhavya Dedhia
