Volodymyr Zelensky wife: Olena Zelenska, Russia’s first lady on Russian hit list

The Ukrainian first lady has been vocal in condemning the moves of Russian invaders, however her high profile and placed a target on her back.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the country’s first lady and wife of Volodymyr Zelensky, Olena Zelenska has vocally condemned the military occupation.

Posting on her 2.8 million strong Instagram on an almost daily basis, Ms Zelenska, 44, has shared stories of fallen heroes and the government’s efforts to save Ukrainian children.

Stream the latest on the invasion of Ukraine from the world’s most trusted news sources with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends October 31, 2022 >

Olena Zelenska – pics from her Instagram account

In early March, she shared an “open letter to the media” that accused Russia of the “mass murder of Ukrainian civilians”. The former comedy writer said it was “impossible to believe what had happened.

“My country was peaceful, and megacities, towns and villages were full of ordinary life,” she wrote.

“When Russia says that it is ‘not waging war against civilians’, I call out the names of these murdered children first,” she continued, adding the names of the war’s tragic youngest victims who died on the street in shellings.

“The first child of war, who saw not the peaceful sky but the concrete ceiling of the basement, was born on the first day of the invasion. Now there are several dozen children who have never known peace in their lives.”

Olena Zelenska and Volodymyr Zelensky share two children together: Aleksandra Zelenskaya, Kiril Zelenskiy. Picture: Instagram @olenazelenska_official.

Her high profile and vocal dissent, however, has also placed a target on her back.

Previously sharing the fears for the welfare of himself and his family, Mr Zelensky said they would be targeted in assassination attempts.

“The enemy has marked me as target number one, my family as target number two,” he said on a call with other European leaders.

“They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of the state.”

Although Mr Zelensky has not disclosed the location of his wife and children, he confirmed in a video address that they remain in Ukraine.

“My family is also in Ukraine. My children are also in Ukraine,” he said.

“My family is not traitors. They are the citizens of Ukraine. But I have no right to say where they are now.”

Olena Zelenska with husband Volodymyr Zelensky and their children. Picture: Instagram @olenazelenska_official.

It’s believed Mr Zelensky has survived multiple assassination attempts. In early March, presidential adviser Mikhail Podolyak claimed the President had survived more than a dozen cases.

“Our foreign partners are talking about two or three attempts. I believe that there were more than a dozen such attempts,” he told Ukrainian Pravda.

“Western intelligence is right to say that the main target for Putin was Mr Zelensky in terms of attacking the government quarter and trying to kill the country’s key manager.”

It’s believed Ukrainian intelligence thwarted attempts from a Chechen hit squad, with the Russian-based, mercenary Wagner Group also making two attempts on Mr Zelensky’s life.

Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to remain in the capital of Kyiv and defend Ukraine against Russian invasion. Picture: AFP/ Ukrainian Presidential Press Service.

Despite this, Mr Zelensky has vowed to remain in the fortified capital of Kyiv and continue to defend the country against Russian attack.

“I’m staying in Kyiv,” he said on social media in early March.

“On Bankova Street [where the presidential offices are located],” he said. “Not hiding, and I’m not afraid of anyone.”

Speaking about her husband’s determination and loyalty, Ms Zelenska his reaction didn’t surprise her.

“Do I admire this man? Every single day. Am I surprised? No. Volodymyr has always been like this: determined and calm,” she told French newspaper, Le Parisien.

“In a time of war, all Ukrainians and the whole world have clearly seen the principles he holds and have felt the strength in him. He will never abandon what is in Ukraine’s interest.”