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Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, has maintained a lower public profile compared to President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, she has played a pivotal role in supporting her husband during a difficult period for their country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska. (AP)
UPDATED: Mar 3, 2025 21:25 IST
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons during his visit to the White House. Zelensky got embroiled in a heated discussion with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Ukrainian president has led his country during tumultuous times ever since Russia's invasion three years ago. He has put up a fierce defense against Moscow, defying expectations, courtesy of the support from the West.
Throughout this period, he has had one consistent pillar of support, his wife Olena Zelenska. Though she has tried to stay away from the limelight compared to her husband.
Who is Olena Zelenska?
Olena Zelenska was born on February 6, 1978, in Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih, then in the Soviet Union. She serves as the First Lady of Ukraine and was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2023 by Time Magazine.
Zelenska is a scriptwriter for Kvartal 95, established by her husband and his friends in 2003. She majored in "Urban and Construction Management" from Kryvyi Rih Technical University in 2000.
The Zelensky-Olena love story
As per The Daily Mail, Volodymyr Zelensky met Olena when they studied at the Kryvyi Rih University. The Ukrainian president was a law student.
The two began dating in 1995, and after almost eight years, decided to tie the knot in 2003.
A year later, she gave birth to their daughter, Oleksandra, on July 15, 2004. Their son, Kyrylo, was born on January 21, 2013. The family also possesses several pets, including two dogs, a cat, a parrot, and even a guinea pig.
Olena Zelenska's achievements
Zelenska has played a pivotal role in helping rebuild war-torn Ukraine. In September 2022, she founded the Olena Foundation, with the aim of restoring Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv.
In December of the same year, she received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award. The award honors women who have shown “exceptional leadership in promoting women’s rights and creating a more peaceful and secure world for all.”
She was also named as one of the BBC 100 Women in 2022. The following year, she was included in the Financial Times' list of the 25 most influential women in the world.
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Mar 3, 2025
