Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska, arrive at the international ceremony at Omaha Beach on June 6, in Normandy.Virginia Mayo/The Associated Press
Olena Zelenska never thought she’d be a public face for her country’s war effort. Like her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s first lady used to work in comedy. But unlike Mr. Zelensky, who was an actor, she was a screenwriter, accustomed to working behind the scenes.
In Kyiv recently, Ms. Zelenska noted that she is not a politician, an analyst or a professional diplomat. But Russia’s full-scale invasion more than two years ago has forced all Ukrainians to adapt to new roles. And hers, increasingly, has involved making public pleas for help from Western allies, including Canada.
“I can only say that I do have hope for everyone with humaneness in their heart to understand the situation we’re in. I hope they will continue assisting us. I also have hope that those who think it’s not necessary will change their minds,” she told The Globe and Mail in an interview.
As she discussed international assistance, Ms. Zelenska sought to frame Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a collective battle against dictatorship – one which will need more than just moral support.
She referenced the international condemnation that followed a Russian strike in early July on Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, the largest such hospital in Ukraine.
“The reaction of the world was quite powerful. However, unfortunately, this reaction is only a manifestation of sympathy, support for us. But it does not affect the terrorist country. Indeed, we expect not only sympathy, and that the guilty will hear angry words addressed to them by our partners. We expect more pro-active actions. Pro-active actions are sanctions, pro-active actions are assistance to Ukraine. So that we can prove on the battlefield that they will not win.”
The international assistance Ms. Zelenska and others in the Ukrainian government are seeking has become less certain as the war has dragged on.
The Globe sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to discuss the state of the war with Russia and how the election of more isolationist governments may affect international aid. Ms. Zelenska expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of Canada and its Ukrainian diaspora.
The Globe and Mail
Ukraine recently had a grim preview of what happens when aid from the United States is held up. A six-month delay earlier this year resulted in battlefield gains for Russian forces. The multibillion-dollar aid package, which had been stalled by Republicans, was finally approved in April. The Biden administration had warned that without that money Ukraine could lose the war by the end of the year.
Now, with the U.S. presidential campaign closing in on its final months, Ukraine is grappling with more uncertainty. Donald Trump has said that, if elected, he would end the war in a day – but it’s not clear how. His running mate, J.D. Vance, is opposed to providing U.S. funding to Ukraine.
During all of the uncertainties since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ms. Zelenska’s personal and professional life has been upended. She had previously said that she didn’t like public speaking, but she now participates in high-profile meetings in Washington and around the world to push for assistance for her country.
“I cannot say that it has been my dream job, but I think all Ukrainians, in the beginning of the full-scale invasion, had to leave their comfort zone. We were forced out of it, thrown out of it. And that was the time when you have to adapt and do everything you can,” she said.
At the moment, her office is preparing for the fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which will take place in Kyiv in September. The summit, an annual event that was initiated by Ms. Zelenska in 2021, brings the spouses of world leaders together to discuss global challenges.
“Our role is about soft-force diplomacy,” she said. “And now we are able to join our forces. We are able to exchange experiences between us, not to be just this needed jewel in the photo with your president. It’s a thing of the past. Now we have a voice that we have to use.”
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and Elke Büdenbender, wife of the German president, visit Ukrainian soldiers who are being treated at the Bundeswehr hospital as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.Pool/Getty Images
She also runs a foundation that focuses on humanitarian aid and social initiatives. She said the organization funds summer camps that include psychological counselling for children. The vast majority of Ukrainians of all ages, she said, are living under constant stress and could use mental-health support.
And at the same time, she said, people need help understanding that mental health is an important topic, not to be ashamed of. “This is a normal thing. It’s okay if you ask for help. There are people ready to help.”
Ms. Zelenska emphasized also the burdens that the war is having on women. She said women whose husbands are fighting on the front line, for instance, may have to juggle work and being the sole caretaker of their children.
Women have taken on work traditionally reserved for men, she added, and increasingly women are opening their own businesses. “The Ukrainian economy is still afloat, in many respects thanks to women.”
Another challenge, she said, arises when injured servicemen with disabilities return home from fighting. For the most part, she said, they will be looked after by their spouses.
First lady Olena Zelenska visits the rehabilitation camp 'Loud Camp' for children affected by war, organized by the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation and financially supported by the Olena Zelenska Foundation in Uzhhorod, Ukraine.Efrem Lukatsky/The Associated Press
When it comes to international assistance, Ms. Zelenska said Canada has been a reliable partner and friend. She said the support is felt every time Ukraine engages with Canada.
“We want this to be our joint victory, as it has been our joint fight. We want you to share our happiness and understand that you have been one of the reasons behind it.”
Ms. Zelenska said she believes that, when considering the end of the war, “one should only paint the best possible picture.”
“You need to dream about what victory will be like, and what peace will be like after it. We all understand all the risks. We understand it may end differently. It may not end in one day.”
However, she added, it has to end on Ukraine’s terms, with the fewest losses possible.
“We did not attack anyone, we did not wish harm on anyone. We did not plan anything against anyone. Because of that, we are not ready to lose anything.”
But, she knows getting to the end of the war will not be easy.
“Please don’t get tired of us,” she said. “It is really a matter of how strong we will be, how long our hope will last. It greatly affects our morale inside of the country when they believe in us and do not look away.”
With a report from Kateryna Hatsenko