Ukraine's first lady says she survived the early days of the war on a mix of adrenaline and Valerian, before the latter ran out
he barbed wire, sandbags and sniper positions of Ukraine’s presidential compound make a dramatic backdrop for a photoshoot. But Olena Zelenska looks drained when she appears, wearing a flowing, electric-blue suit and clutching a pair of high heels to don for the photos. Ukraine’s first lady admits to being a reluctant interviewee.
“We were naive,” she says. “We thought that we could win through honest work and graft. It turned out to be a lot more complicated than that.”t was still dark when Zelenska woke up on February 24th 2022, thinking that she’d heard fireworks. Her husband was already in the room next door, fully clothed. “It’s started,” he said, and immediately left. It was Zelenska’s task to tell her nine-year-old son Kyrylo, and 17-year-old daughter Oleksandra, what was happening.
Every time the sirens wailed Zelenska and her children would rush down to the bomb shelter; up and down, up and down again. She couldn’t sleep, and often watched her nine-year-old as he napped or played on his phone. One time she dozed off only to be woken by her son. “Mum,” he said, “time to go to the shelter.” Many of her friends – actors and writers – signed up for Ukraine’s army and territorial defence.
The couple didn’t see each other for over two months. Like other Ukrainians, Zelenska watched her husband’s daily speeches to the nation on social media – she was impressed by them even if, she suggests, the finished product should have been half the length. “Volodymyr always says I criticise him too much, that I never praise him enough,” she allows herself a rare bellow of laughter. She also observed her husband’s blooming facial hair .
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukraine moves one step closer to EU membershipThe European Commission backs Ukraine's candidate status, but says the country must make changes.
Read more »
War in Ukraine: Woman gives birth in UK after fleeing countryStaff arranged a call so Lesia Husar could introduce her husband, who is still in Ukraine, to their son.
Read more »
Junior Andre's debut song beats Lady Gaga and goes to number one on iTunesPeter Andre and Katie Price's 17 year old son Junior has released his first single Slide, which is already storming the charts just a few hours after its release
Read more »
Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash's son Harry make sweet homemade Father's Day giftStacey Solomon has shared her DIY project with her fiancé Joe Swash's 15 year old son, Harry, after he wanted to make his dad something bespoke for Father's Day
Read more »
Vitali Klitschko: Russians are dying for Putin’s ambitionsKyiv's mayor says Russia's leader is destroying millions of lives in both Ukraine and Russia.
Read more »
Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front-line cities of Mykolaiv and OdesaUkraine's president makes a rare trip outside the capital to visit bomb-damaged Mykolaiv and Odesa.
Read more »