Ukrainian First Lady: “Our Relationship Is on Pause” | Amanpour and Company

As Russia’s war on Ukraine enters its fifth month, constant reminders emerge that it’s being mostly waged against soft targets: civilians. Today President Zelensky called the attack on a shopping center “one of the most defiant terrorist acts in European history.” Search and rescue operations continue, but at least 18 people are confirmed dead. The Russians cling to their familiar line, that their missile strike targeted “western weapons and ammunition.” President Zelensky says the enemy has marked him as target number one, and his family as number two. But neither he nor First Lady Olena Zelenska is cowering in fear. Like him, she’s busy on many fronts, rallying the world to Ukraine’s cause, supporting her people during this devastating war, and being a mother to two children. Zelenska met her husband when they were just kids, and in a TV exclusive from Kyiv, she tells Christiane that their relationship is necessarily on pause, like so many other families fighting for their nation’s survival.

Originally aired on June 28, 2022.

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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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[laurie]

May you and your husband live to see a peaceful old age, filled with grandchildren, cats, and long walks in your beautiful country.

[claudiacordoba]

Stand by your husband, this is when he needs you the most. Strong woman defeat the works of the evil one. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Hang on!!! True love conquers all things. Blessings 🙏🌺💞

[elizabethramos]

What a gorgeous family! You are such a lovely First Lady, and your husband is a brilliant President of Ukraine.
It is a honor to meet you, even in these circumstances! God bless you in all your prayers, hopes, and dreams! We love you!

[Annie-ZA]

GORGEOUS and down to Earth ... lovely lady! May God bless and nurture her and her entire family ... and GLORY TO UKRAINE! 💞🙏😍💖👍

[jcspoon]

"Holding on like that cupboard in Boredonka."
Damn ... keep holding on.

[lourdesraupe]

What a horrible situation, but what strength they have. Holding them both in the Light💫

[delmahnori]

This is really hard for first lady. But she has the strength her husband has. God bless n protect them with their children.

[catc]

May God protect the Zelenskyy family and all Ukrainians during this difficult time. They have been exemplars of courage and grittiness.

[lisaregoart]

A truly lovely lady. Daily she chooses faith over fear with such courage, beauty and grace. Know millions pray for you and your amazing husband with all the people of Ukraine. We pray 'Putin's War' will end soon. My heart aches for Ukraine. Ukrainians can be proud of having such an amazing leader in Zelensky. Conversely, most Russians must be appalled and ashamed by the actions of their highly misinformed and tyrannical leader. Hold on Zelensky family - good always triumphs over evil. He must be brought to account for such blatant disregard for human life. God will judge Putin very severely- an eternal punishment awaits him unless he changes his heart and mind. Noone can ever trust a single word he says. Zelensky you model true leadership at its best.

[ghost-writer]

Behind good men there are invariably good, strong women. In this case, she happens to be classy, intelligent and beautiful as well. Slava Ukraini.

[sherribrawn]

*SLAVA UKRAINE!*
I live in New Brunswick Canada, and we have had the pleasure of three wonderful Ukrainian families moving into our building recently. Breaks my heart to witness their struggle especially since they've come from so far away. As a Canadian I feel we all need to be thankful for the freedom and protection we've become accustomed Look at how things can change in the blink of an eye. 🇺🇦🇨🇦🇺🇦🇨🇦🇺🇦🇨🇦🇺🇦🇨🇦🇺🇦

[lasandralucas]

Bless you the President and your family during this horrible time. This war will end and that Ukraine win survive.

[barbaracohen-ehrlich]

What a lovely, classy woman. Praying for Ukraine and your family.

[ampamp]

This lady need to retrospect on the costly decision made by her husband, causing the death of Ukranians, while she is dressing up nice, giving fancy interviews, worrying about not having relationship with her husband?

[manormamishra]

You are the best very nice and Great first lady of Ukraine you are so Sweet and so lovely and your family is a so good family and you are the best couple you are a fire of Ukraine and God bless you

[mariannashalom]

Please stay strong dearest First Lady Olena Zelenskaya❤️ Slava Ukraine!!💛💙

[nilkolllu]

Such a beautiful couple! President Zelansky is leading Ukraine heading to a brighter future each day, so as the couple's relationship is going stronger!!!

[brettnelson]

Yes indeed the two of you together is a beautiful picture of what a happy loving couple should look like. You two are so lucky to have each other and your children. I hope the war ends as soon as possible. and stay safe, stay alive...
The world needs more good people like you guys.

[AngelRodriguez-ztnv]

A woman is what makes the man, and she's a perfect example 👍

[InternationalHealthCoach]

#StopRussia #RussiaInvadedUkraine #ArmUkraineNow #StopPutin 🇺🇦🌻🌻🌻🙏💙💛 SLAVA UKRAINI 💛💙🙏🌻🌻🌻🇺🇦