Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, recently opened up about the profound impact of the ongoing war in her country and the challenges she faces in providing healing and support. Speaking to a group of African journalists at the State House in Kyiv, she described the role of “First Lady” in a war-stricken nation as an experience no woman should ever wish for.
Zelenska emphasized the immense difficulty of the situation, noting that there are no guidelines or written documents to prepare for such circumstances. She highlighted the devastating toll the war has taken on Ukraine’s children, its way of life, and its cultural heritage, expressing her determination to reverse the war crimes committed by Russian invaders and preserve the country’s identity.
“It is a very difficult experience. No one would want this in her life. All of us would want to have peace. Yet, I have a great desire for all of us to be able to recover after this war,” Zelenska stated.
The First Lady underscored the importance of providing mental healthcare to Ukrainians, particularly women in the army and those whose husbands are on the frontline. She addressed the trauma experienced by women in the armed forces and the need to support them in terms of their mental well-being. Across Ukraine, centers have been established to offer social and psychological assistance.
Zelenska shared her personal experience of the war, admitting that she too feels fear and desperation at times. However, she chooses to conceal her emotions in order to inspire hope in others amidst the challenging circumstances.
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As the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska stands as a compassionate advocate for mental health support and remains committed to the recovery and well-being of her nation, even in the face of adversity.
“Sometimes, I am scared. Sometimes, I am awful but I cannot share these emotions so that my people do not lose hope. The fact that I did not have to flee the country but stay back to help my people is a good thing for me. It is easier and safer for me to stay in the country than abroad; and I think it is one of the reasons my people support me”, she said.
She added that irrespective of Russian aggression, Ukraine will not give in to cruelty, stressing that the people will preserve their values.
Zelenska added that before the war, she was guided by her professional responsibilities and those of the office of the President’s wife. She however decried that the war situation has redirected her focus.
The First Lady also explained how emotionally traumatic it was for her and the people of Ukraine over the large number of children held in the Russian occupied territories. According to her, out of 19,000 of them in enemy territory, only 386 children have returned, alleging that Russia’s target was to erase the memory of Ukraine from the minds of the children.
“Of course, it is a small number that have returned. We are looking for the remaining children. Russia wants to erase the memory of the children about Ukraine. They told them lies that they were raised by Russians, that their parents and country rejected them. They want to reintegrate Ukraine children based on Russian culture.”
The First Lady however noted that taking care of her mental health remained very critical so as to be healthy and active at the end of the war. According to her, she would be willing to take counsel from any African First Lady who had passed through a similar situation.
