Volodymyr Zelenskyy was first a comedian, then became Ukraine’s president, and now, due to recent events, is one of the most recognized figures in the world. He has been leading Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy is supported by his wife, Olena Zelenska, who has been active despite the war. While not as publicly visible as her husband, she has tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for the people of Ukraine.
Olena Zelenska was born in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, on February 5, 1978, and grew up in the same city as Volodymyr. They met in university but didn’t initially hit it off. Zelenskyy, who was studying law and pursuing a career in comedy, worked hard to win Olena over. Eventually, they began dating, and after eight years, they married on September 6, 2003. They had two children, Aleksandra and Kiril.
Their marriage was far from what they expected. When Volodymyr announced his presidential bid, Olena was initially hesitant. However, as time passed, they found they made a great team, with Olena writing material for her husband’s comedy career. As Volodymyr’s fame grew, Olena’s role also expanded, and she became involved in his show, Servant of the People. In 2019, when Zelenskyy became president, their lives took a dramatic turn.
Olena soon focused on improving Ukraine’s schools, particularly school nutrition, aiming to provide healthier food and better education about eating habits. She traveled to countries like Japan to find inspiration for changes.
When the war started in 2022, Olena and her children remained in Ukraine, staying strong despite the difficult circumstances. Olena shared on Instagram that she would remain calm for her children and support her husband. However, the war dramatically changed their relationship, as the couple was often separated for safety reasons.
Despite the challenges, Olena believes their bond is stronger than ever. They continue to support each other, even from a distance. Olena also recently highlighted the plight of abducted Ukrainian children, revealing that only 1,227 out of over 19,000 children taken to Russia have been returned. She continues to fight for their return.