Olena Zelenska

{{Infobox officeholder

| native_name = {{nobold|Олена Зеленська}}

| image = Olena Zelenska 2021.jpg

| caption = Official portrait, 2021

| term_label = Assumed role

| term = 20 May 2019{{cite web |title='Beautiful Melania': Elena Zelenskaya became the first lady of Ukraine and published the first photos on Instagram. PHOTO, VIDEO |url=https://woman.forumdaily.com/en/krasivee-melanii-elena-zelenskaya-stala-pervoj-ledi-ukrainy-i-opublikovala-pervye-foto-v-instagrame-foto-video/ |website=ForumDaily Woman |access-date=21 October 2023 |language=en |date=20 May 2019}}

| term_end =

| president = Volodymyr Zelenskyy

| predecessor = Maryna Poroshenko

| successor =

| birth_name = Olena Volodymyrivna Kyiashko

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1978|2|6}}

| birth_place = Krivoy Rog, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union

| spouse = {{marriage|Volodymyr Zelenskyy
|2003}}

| children = 2

| relatives = Oleksandr Zelenskyy (father-in-law)

| alma_mater = Kryvyi Rih National University

| occupation = {{hlist|Screenwriter}}

| awards = BBC 100 Women (2022){{Cite web |title=BBC 100 Women 2022: Who is on the list this year? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-75af095e-21f7-41b0-9c5f-a96a5e0615c1 |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

}}

Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska{{efn|{{langx|uk|Олена Володимирівна Зеленська}}}}{{family name footnote|Volodymyrivna|Zelenska or Kyiashko|lang=Eastern Slavic}} (née Kyiashko;{{efn|{{langx|uk|Кіяшко}}}} born 6 February 1978) is a Ukrainian screenwriter who is the current First Lady of Ukraine as the wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/unian-main-facts-about-ukraines-next-first-lady-olena-zelenska.html|title=Main facts about Ukraine's next first lady Olena Zelenska|date=24 April 2019|website=KyivPost|access-date=26 April 2019|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926105357/https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/unian-main-facts-about-ukraines-next-first-lady-olena-zelenska.html/|url-status=live}} Zelenska was named by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2023.{{cite web|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269865/olena-zelenska/ |title=Olena Zelenska|publisher=Time Person of the Year|website=Time|author=Jill Biden|date=2023-04-13}}

Early life and career

Olena Kyiashko was born on 6 February 1978 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian SSR.{{cite web | url= http://womenua.today/olena-zelenska/ | title= СПІКЕРИ – Олена Зеленська – Перша леді України | website= Ukrainian Women's Congress | date= 9 December 2019 | access-date= 1 September 2021 | archive-date= 1 September 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210901165252/http://womenua.today/olena-zelenska/ | url-status= live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/18/olena-zelenska-ukraine-first-lady-rare-interview-family-under-threat |title=Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska on being Russia's target No 2: 'When you see their crimes, maybe they really are capable of anything' |first1=Shaun |last1=Walker |date=18 June 2022 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=19 June 2022}} She studied at Kryvyi Rih Gymnasium No. 95, where she met her future husband, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.{{cite web | url=https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/volodymyr-zelensky/ | title=Volodymyr Zelensky }} In 2000, she graduated from Kryvyi Rih Technical University, majoring in "Urban and Construction Management", receiving a specialist diploma. She also graduated from a music school with a piano class.{{cite news |title=Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's shy first lady, steps up |first1=Hilary |last1=Rose |date=15 March 2022 |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/olena-zelenska-ukraines-shy-first-lady-steps-up-b7qvgpk0f |access-date=19 June 2022}}

File:Робочий візит Президента України до Турецької Республіки 11.jpg prayer service in Istanbul on 16 October 2020]]

In 2003, she and Zelenskyy married.{{cite web|url=https://file.liga.net/persons/vladimir-zelenskii|title=ru:Зеленский Владимир|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050545/https://file.liga.net/persons/vladimir-zelenskii|archive-date=2 January 2019|access-date=19 August 2020|language=ru}} Olena and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are the parents of two children: daughter Oleksandra (born on 15 July 2004) and son Kyrylo (born on 21 January 2013). The family has several pets: two dogs, a cat, a parrot, and a guinea pig.{{Cite news |url= https://1plus1.ua/novyny/olena-zelenska-rozpovila-pro-stosunki-z-colovikom-i-nebazanna-buti-persou-ledi | title = Olena Zelenska told about relationship with her husband and reluctance to be the first lady| date= 2019-05-20|language=uk | work = 1plus1.ua|accessdate=2023-07-02}} Zelenska enjoys sports, likes to read and is a fan of cinematography.{{Cite news |url= https://fakty.com.ua/ua/ukraine/20190422-olena-zelenska-rozpovila-chym-hoche-zajmatysya-pislya-peremogy-cholovika/ | title = Olena Zelenska told what she wants to do after her husband's victory| date= 2019-04-22|language=uk | work = fakty.com.ua|accessdate=2023-07-02}} The family lives in Kyiv.{{cite magazine |date=19 June 2022 |access-date=20 June 2022 |first1=Oliver |last1=Carroll |title="Our son wants to be a soldier": an interview with Ukraine's first lady |url=https://www.economist.com/1843/2022/06/19/our-son-wants-to-be-a-soldier-an-interview-with-ukraines-first-lady |magazine=1843 |publisher=The Economist}}

= Professional activity =

Olena Zelenska has been a scriptwriter for Kvartal 95 since its foundation.

First Lady of Ukraine

= Social initiatives before the full-scale Russian invasion =

File:Olena Zelenska makes a speech in annual conference of ambassadors of Ukraine.jpg

The social activities of the First Lady of Ukraine before the war had three main directions: the health of future generations, equal opportunities and cultural diplomacy.{{Cite news |url= https://hromadske.ua/posts/persha-ledi-krayini-chim-zajmayetsya-druzhina-prezidenta-olena-zelenska| title = The First lady of the country. What does the President's wife Olena Zelenska do?| date=2021-06-26 |language=uk | work = hromadske.ua |accessdate=2023-07-03}}

Olena Zelenska initiated such projects as the improvement of the school food system{{cite web|url=https://hromadske.ua/posts/persha-ledi-virishila-zajnyatisya-reformoyu-harchuvannya-u-shkolah|title=Перша леді вирішила зайнятися реформою харчування у школах|publisher=Hromadske.TV|author=Вікторія Коломієць|date=18 November 2019|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901162304/https://hromadske.ua/posts/persha-ledi-virishila-zajnyatisya-reformoyu-harchuvannya-u-shkolah|url-status=live}} and the development of the National Strategy for a safe school environment,{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-society/3140267-kak-obezopasit-skolnye-stolovye-zelenskaa-priglasaet-prisoedinitsa-k-onlajnobuceniu.html|title=Как обезопасить школьные столовые: Зеленская приглашает присоединиться к онлайн-обучению|publisher=Ukrinform|language=ru|date=20 November 2019|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124064126/https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-society/3140267-kak-obezopasit-skolnye-stolovye-zelenskaa-priglasaet-prisoedinitsa-k-onlajnobuceniu.html|url-status=usurped}} the fight against domestic and gender based violence, the barrier-free environment,{{cite web |date=6 May 2020 |title=Дружина Зеленського запросила українців до розмови |language=uk |trans-title=Zelensky's wife invited Ukrainians to talk |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2020/05/6/7250659/ |publisher=Ukrayinska Pravda |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225230011/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2020/05/6/7250659/ |url-status=live }} and the introduction of audio guides in Ukrainian museums around the world.{{Cite news |url= https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/olena-zelenska-prezentuvala-ukrayinskij-audiogid-dlya-nacion-79689 | title = Olena Zelenska presented a Ukrainian audio guide for the National Museum of Qatar | date=2022-12-07 |language=en | work = president.gov.ua|accessdate=2023-07-03}}

On 3 December 2020, the President signed the Decree “On ensuring the creation of a barrier-free space in Ukraine”. At the initiative of the First Lady, the National Barrier-Free Strategy—standards of equal opportunities for all population groups—was adopted, as well as the Action Plan for overcoming barriers—a road map for each department—was developed.{{cite web |author=Павло Калашник |date=6 May 2020 |title=Дружина Зеленського запросила українців на "велику розмову про безбар'єрність" |url=https://hromadske.ua/posts/druzhina-zelenskogo-zaprosila-ukrayinciv-na-veliku-rozmovu-pro-bezbaryernist |publisher=hromadske.ua |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225230010/https://hromadske.ua/posts/druzhina-zelenskogo-zaprosila-ukrayinciv-na-veliku-rozmovu-pro-bezbaryernist |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-society/3147306-po-iniciative-zelenskoj-v-dii-budet-razdel-dla-nezasisennyh-grupp-naselenia.html|title=По инициативе Зеленской в "Дії" будет раздел для незащищенных групп населения|publisher=Укрінформ|date=2 December 2020|language=ru|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225230007/https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-society/3147306-po-iniciative-zelenskoj-v-dii-budet-razdel-dla-nezasisennyh-grupp-naselenia.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/news/za-iniciativoyu-oleni-zelenskoyi-na-portali-diya-stvoryat-no-65369|title=За ініціативою Олени Зеленської на порталі "Дія" створять новий розділ з послугами для вразливих груп населення|publisher=Офіс Президента України|date=2 December 2020|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225230012/https://www.president.gov.ua/news/za-iniciativoyu-oleni-zelenskoyi-na-portali-diya-stvoryat-no-65369|url-status=live}}

On 13 January 2020, she became a member of the Development Council of the Mystetskyi Arsenal National Art and Culture Museum Complex.{{Cite web|title=Зеленський ввів свою дружину до складу ради "Мистецького арсеналу"|url=https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-vvel-svoyu-zhenu-sostav-soveta-1578929872.html|website=РБК-Украина|access-date=13 January 2020|language=ru|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901162306/https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-vvel-svoyu-zhenu-sostav-soveta-1578929872.html|url-status=live}}

File:Олена Зеленська на п'ятому Українському жіночому конгресі.jpg

On 11 September 2020, at the initiative of the President's wife, Ukraine joined the Biarritz Partnership,{{cite web|url=https://www.unian.ua/m/society/10787945-genderna-rivnist-persha-ledi-iniciyuye-priyednannya-ukrajini-do-iniciativi-g7-foto-video.html|title=Гендерна рівність: перша леді ініціює приєднання України до ініціативи G7 (фото, відео)|publisher=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency|date=10 December 2019|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509213223/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.unian.ua|url-status=live}} undertaking commitments in the areas of gender equality and the development of barrier-free public space.{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/news/uryad-pidtrimav-iniciativu-oleni-zelenskoyi-shodo-priyednann-61049|title=Уряд підтримав ініціативу Олени Зеленської щодо приєднання України до "Партнерства Біарріц"|publisher=Office of the President of Ukraine|date=7 May 2020|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120005717/https://www.president.gov.ua/news/uryad-pidtrimav-iniciativu-oleni-zelenskoyi-shodo-priyednann-61049|url-status=live}}

In 2021, a large-scale reform of school meals took place. A new full-fledged 4-week menu was presented, the modernization of food storage facilities began, and the behavioral communication campaign of UNICEF in Ukraine on healthy nutrition for children and parents was launched.[https://mon.gov.ua/ua/news/prezentovano-plan-zahodiv-z-reformuvannya-sistemi-shkilnogo-harchuvannya-pid-patronatom-pershoyi-ledi-oleni-zelenskoyi Презентовано План заходів з реформування системи шкільного харчування під патронатом Першої леді Олени Зеленської] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525233014/https://mon.gov.ua/ua/news/prezentovano-plan-zahodiv-z-reformuvannya-sistemi-shkilnogo-harchuvannya-pid-patronatom-pershoyi-ledi-oleni-zelenskoyi |date=25 May 2021 }}. Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. — 24 May 2021.[https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/yevgen-klopotenko-z-olenoyu-zelenskoyu-predstavili-nove-menyu-dlya-shkil-foto-novini-ukrajini-50161723.html Без цукру, солі та сосисок. Олена Зеленська та шеф-кухар Євген Клопотенко презентували оновлене шкільне меню] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526183742/https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/yevgen-klopotenko-z-olenoyu-zelenskoyu-predstavili-nove-menyu-dlya-shkil-foto-novini-ukrajini-50161723.html |date=26 May 2021 }}. НВ. — 25 May 2021.[https://1plus1.ua/snidanok-z-1-1/novyny/ak-zminitsa-z-veresna-harcuvanna-v-skolah-rozkazuut-olena-zelenska-ta-evgen-klopotenko Як зміниться з вересня харчування в школах: розказують Олена Зеленська та Євген Клопотенко] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525125402/https://1plus1.ua/snidanok-z-1-1/novyny/ak-zminitsa-z-veresna-harcuvanna-v-skolah-rozkazuut-olena-zelenska-ta-evgen-klopotenko |date=25 May 2021 }}. 1+1 — 26 May 2021.

As part of the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, more than 50 audio guides in the Ukrainian language have already been launched in the best cultural institutions in more than 30 countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-tourism/3163602-v-etom-godu-za-rubezom-zarabotali-11-ukrainoazycnyh-audiogidov-supruga-prezidenta.html|title=В этом году за рубежом заработали 11 украиноязычных аудиогидов – супруга Президента|date=30 December 2020|language=ru|publisher=Укрінформ|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901162304/https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-tourism/3163602-v-etom-godu-za-rubezom-zarabotali-11-ukrainoazycnyh-audiogidov-supruga-prezidenta.html|url-status=usurped}} The project started in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://m.gazeta.ua/articles/sogodennya/_u-baku-zapustili-audiogid-ukrayinskoyu-movoyu/980758|title=У Баку запустили аудіогід українською мовою|publisher=Gazeta.ua|date=25 August 2020|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509213217/https://gazeta.ua/articles/sogodennya/_u-baku-zapustili-audiogid-ukrayinskoyu-movoyu/980758|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://nv.ua/ukr/world/geopolitics/u-galereji-albertina-z-yavivsya-ukrajinomovniy-gid-novini-ukrajini-50092565.html|title=В одному з найбільших музеїв Австрії з'явився україномовний гід|publisher=НВ|date=5 June 2020|author=Дар‘я Харченко|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221052347/https://nv.ua/ukr/world/geopolitics/u-galereji-albertina-z-yavivsya-ukrajinomovniy-gid-novini-ukrajini-50092565.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.unian.ua/m/tourism/news/muzey-u-vidni-avstriyskiy-muzey-zagovoriv-ukrajinskoyu-movoyu-novini-11149037.html|title=Ще один австрійський музей "заговорив" українською мовою (відео)|publisher=УНІАН|author=Костянтин Гончаров|date=16 September 2020|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509213232/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.unian.ua|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/u-kolizeji-z-yavivsya-ukrajinskomovniy-audiogid-novini-ukrajini-50132644.html|title=У римському Колізеї з'явився аудіогід українською мовою|publisher=НВ|date=27 December 2020|author=Катерина Денісова|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=15 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215125354/https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/u-kolizeji-z-yavivsya-ukrajinskomovniy-audiogid-novini-ukrajini-50132644.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://hromadske.ua/posts/u-rimskomu-kolizeyi-audiogid-teper-mozhna-posluhati-j-ukrayinskoyu-movoyu|title=У римському Колізеї аудіогід тепер можна послухати й українською мовою|publisher=hromadske.ua|date=27 December 2020|author=Борис Ткачук|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227084719/https://hromadske.ua/posts/u-rimskomu-kolizeyi-audiogid-teper-mozhna-posluhati-j-ukrayinskoyu-movoyu|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://tsn.ua/lady/news/obschestvo/povtorila-obraz-olena-zelenska-zustrilasya-z-pershoyu-ledi-turechchini-1647553.html|title=Повторила образ: Олена Зеленська зустрілася з першою леді Туреччини|publisher=ТСН|date=17 October 2020|author=Юлія Каранковська|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=23 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223163756/https://tsn.ua/lady/news/obschestvo/povtorila-obraz-olena-zelenska-zustrilasya-z-pershoyu-ledi-turechchini-1647553.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-tourism/3159263-v-morskom-muzee-cernogorii-poavilsa-audiogid-na-ukrainskom.html|title=В Морском музее Черногории появился аудиогид на украинском|date=22 December 2020|publisher=Укрінформ|language=ru|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901162308/https://www.ukrinform.ru/rubric-tourism/3159263-v-morskom-muzee-cernogorii-poavilsa-audiogid-na-ukrainskom.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezidentske-podruzhzhya-vidvidalo-maunt-vernon-de-olena-zel-70481|title=The presidential couple visited Mount Vernon where Olena Zelenska presented a Ukrainian-language audio guide|website=President of Ukraine – Official website|date=1 September 2021|access-date=2 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901180536/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezidentske-podruzhzhya-vidvidalo-maunt-vernon-de-olena-zel-70481|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=1 September 2021 |title=Володимир і Олена Зеленські презентували українськомовний гід в Музеї Джорджа Вашингтона |url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-tourism/3307707-volodimir-i-olena-zelenski-prezentuvali-ukrainskomovnij-gid-v-muzei-dzordza-vasingtona.html |publisher=Ukrinform |access-date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004110302/https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-tourism/3307707-volodimir-i-olena-zelenski-prezentuvali-ukrainskomovnij-gid-v-muzei-dzordza-vasingtona.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url= https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/olena-zelenska-iniciyuvala-pidpisannya-memorandumu-pro-robot-70557|title= Olena Zelenska initiates signing of memorandum on creation of Ukrainian-language audio guides with Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco|website= President of Ukraine – Official website|date= 3 September 2021|access-date= 6 September 2021|archive-date= 6 September 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210906202014/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/olena-zelenska-iniciyuvala-pidpisannya-memorandumu-pro-robot-70557|url-status= live}}{{cite web |date=19 April 2021 |title=Спорт-шик. Олену Зеленську розкритикували за кросівки у Версалі |url=https://life.nv.ua/ukr/krasota-i-moda/olenu-zelensku-rozkritikuvali-za-krosivki-v-versali-foto-50155079.html |publisher=NV |access-date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=18 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218205336/https://life.nv.ua/ukr/krasota-i-moda/olenu-zelensku-rozkritikuvali-za-krosivki-v-versali-foto-50155079.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Uliana Kupnovytska |date=19 May 2021 |title=Леді Зе. Як Олена Зеленська справляється з обов'язками першої леді |url=https://focus.ua/uk/ukraine/482917-ledi-ze-kak-elena-zelenskaya-spravlyaetsya-s-obyazannostyami-pervoj-ledi |work=Focus |access-date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004110259/https://focus.ua/uk/ukraine/482917-ledi-ze-kak-elena-zelenskaya-spravlyaetsya-s-obyazannostyami-pervoj-ledi |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Ksyusha Savoskina |date=26 June 2021 |title=Перша леді країни. Чим займається дружина президента Олена Зеленська |url=https://hromadske.ua/posts/persha-ledi-krayini-chim-zajmayetsya-druzhina-prezidenta-olena-zelenska |publisher=Hromadske |access-date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004105703/https://hromadske.ua/posts/persha-ledi-krayini-chim-zajmayetsya-druzhina-prezidenta-olena-zelenska |url-status=live }}

File:Олена Зеленська на Київському саміті перших леді та джентльменів.jpg]]

On 23 August 2021, the First Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen took place in Kyiv at the initiative of Olena Zelenska.{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/u-kiyevi-pershi-ledi-z-riznih-krayin-zapochatkuvali-mizhnaro-70289|title=In Kyiv, the first ladies from different countries launched an international platform for solving humanitarian problems around the world|publisher=Office of the President of Ukraine|date=23 August 2021|access-date=4 October 2021|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019023245/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/u-kiyevi-pershi-ledi-z-riznih-krayin-zapochatkuvali-mizhnaro-70289|url-status=live}} Eleven first ladies from different countries joined the event. The main topic of discussion was the post-COVID reality. At the end of the event, the participants approved a joint declaration.{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3302645-kyiv-summit-of-first-ladies-and-gentlemen-starts.html|title=Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen starts|publisher=Ukrinform|date=23 August 2021|access-date=4 October 2021|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917055733/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3302645-kyiv-summit-of-first-ladies-and-gentlemen-starts.html|url-status=live}}

The purpose of the summits is to unite the First Ladies and Gentlemen to create an international platform to share experiences and implement joint projects for the well-being of people in the world; to discuss the current problems and activities of the First Ladies and Gentlemen to solve them; to make the voice of every first lady and gentleman more influential.{{Cite news |url= https://www.president.gov.ua/news/olena-zelenska-rozpovila-pro-format-provedennya-drugogo-sami-76385 | title = Olena Zelenska told about the format of the second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen| date= 2022-07-08 |language= uk| work = president.gov.ua|accessdate=2023-06-21}}

= Activities since the full-scale Russian invasion =

After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelenska was described as Russia's target number two. In mid-March, she was in Ukraine at an undisclosed location. She released a statement highlighting the names of children killed during the invasion.{{Cite news |title=Ukraine's first lady, decrying deaths of children amid Russia's invasion, pleads for international support |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/09/ukraine-first-lady-olena-zelenska-letter/ |access-date=16 March 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316160123/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/09/ukraine-first-lady-olena-zelenska-letter/ |url-status=live }} During the war, her efforts have focused on humanitarian aid, especially the evacuation of children with disabilities through Poland and the importing of incubators to hospitals in warzone areas.{{Cite news|last1=Amanpour|first1=Christiane|last2=Lyons|first2=Emmet|title='The number one target is all of us'|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/12/europe/olena-zelenska-ukraine-first-lady-amanpour-cmd-intl/index.html|agency=CNN|date=13 April 2022|access-date=15 April 2022|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414234615/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/12/europe/olena-zelenska-ukraine-first-lady-amanpour-cmd-intl/index.html|url-status=live}} Zelenska made her first public appearance since the start of the invasion in a 8 May 2022 meeting with Jill Biden in Uzhhorod. Biden's trip to Ukraine, which coincided with Mother's Day as celebrated in the US and in Ukraine, was not publicly disclosed in advance.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/08/1097460153/ukraine-jill-biden-visit-mothers-day|title=Jill Biden visits Ukraine, making her first solo trip to a combat zone as first lady|date=8 May 2022|publisher=NPR|first=Scott|last=Detrow|access-date=8 May 2022|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509213215/https://www.npr.org/2022/05/08/1097460153/ukraine-jill-biden-visit-mothers-day|url-status=live}}

At the initiative of the First Lady, projects in the field of medicine are being developed: evacuation of children with severe cancer diseases abroad with further treatment there, the search for equipment for children's hospitals, in particular, incubators for newborns.{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/6320|title=In Year-End Interview Olena Zelenska Talks About Her Work During The War|publisher=KyivPost|website=kyivpost.com|date=2023-01-01}}

In the humanitarian sphere, Olena Zelenska takes care of sending orphans for a long-term stay abroad. The First Lady also oversees humanitarian aid to family-type orphanages, large families, and elderly people who have remained and live in the liberated territories to reinforce the connection with the Homeland for forcibly displaced people, the First Lady initiated the project “Books without borders”.{{cite web|url=https://visitukraine.today/blog/687/books-without-borders-literature-in-ukrainian-for-children-abroad|title=Books without borders: literature in Ukrainian for children abroad|website=visitukraine.today|date=2022-08-05}} 260,000 books in Ukrainian were printed for children who left their homes due to Russian aggression and found shelter in 20 countries.

The project “Ukrainian bookshelf” is being carried out under the patronage of the First Lady.{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/ukrayinska-knizhkova-polichka-vidkrilasya-vzhe-u-18-krayinah-77629|title=Ukrainian Bookshelf opens in 18 countries|publisher=Office of the President of Ukraine|website=president.gov.ua|date=2022-12-10}} It provides for the distribution of Ukrainian literature and its translations in the world's leading libraries. More than 20 countries have already joined the initiative.

In the “Barrier-Free Handbook” launched by the First Lady, a new section has been created with wartime tips and instructions for families with disabilities, the elderly and their loved ones, and people with disabilities.{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/olena-zelenska-prezentuvala-na-frankfurtskomu-knizhkovomu-ya-78665|title=Olena Zelenska presented the "Barrier-Free Handbook" at the Frankfurt Book Fair|publisher=Office of the President of Ukraine|website=president.gov.ua|date=2022-10-23}}

In May 2022, Olena Zelenska initiated the creation of the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.{{cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en/press-releases/unicef-first-lady-mental-health-strategic-session|title=UNICEF and Ukraine's First Lady unite experts to support children's mental health|publisher=UNICEF|date=2022-10-31}} The program is designed to help Ukrainians overcome the consequences of the traumatic events of the war.{{Cite news |url= https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/olena-zelenska-rozpovila-yak-vtilyuyetsya-iniciativa-zi-stvo-80109 | title = Olena Zelenska told how the initiative to create the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support is being implemented| date=2022-12-28 |language=en | work = president.gov.ua |accessdate=2023-07-03}}

File:Візит першої леді України до США 21.jpg and the US First Lady Jill Biden, the US Vice President Kamala Harris and the US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff]]

File:Olena Zelenska in US Congress.jpg]]

File:Samantha Power and Olena Zelenska at the USAID HQ - 2022.jpg and Olena Zelenska at the USAID HQ in 2022]]

On 19 July 2022, Zelenska started her visit to the United States.{{cite web|url=https://showbiz.24tv.ua/olena-zelenska-prokomentuvala-istorichniy-vizit-do-ssha_n2100871|title="Для мене це був іспит, я його склала": Олена Зеленська про історичний візит до США|publisher=Channel 24|website=24tv.ua|date=21 July 2022}} On the first day of the visit, Zelenska met with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. On the second day of the visit, she held a meeting with the first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, at the White House.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/20/ukraine-olena-zelenska-congress/|title=Ukraine's first lady asks Congress for more arms to counter Russia|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Amy B Wang|date=20 July 2022}} Zelenska was also met on the porch of the White House by US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.{{cite web|url=https://www.unian.ua/politics/olena-zelenska-persha-ledi-ukrajini-zustrilasya-z-prezidentom-ssha-baydenom-i-yogo-druzhinoyu-u-vashingtoni-novini-ukrajina-11909694.html|title=Перша леді України зустрілася з президентом США Байденом і його дружиною у Вашингтоні (фото, відео)|publisher=UNIAN|website=unian.ua|author=Viktoria Hordiyenko|date=20 July 2022}}

Zelenska also addressed the US Congress on the second day of her visit, becoming the first First Lady of another country to speak before the US Congress. She called for more military aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to protect the country from Russian invasion.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62248623|title=Ukraine war has made my son want to be a soldier – Zelenska|publisher=BBC News|website=bbc.com|date=20 July 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/20/world/europe/ukraine-first-lady-congress.html|title=Ukraine's first lady tells the U.S. Congress that 'Russia is destroying our people.'|website=The New York Times|author=Dan Bilefsky, Stephanie Lai, Jim Tankersley|date=20 July 2022}}

Zelenska dedicated the beginning of her speech to the families and children impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One of the images included was of a four-year-old Liza Dmytriyeva, who was killed in an air strike in the central-western city of Vinnytsia. Zelenska also showed photos and videos of the victims of the Kremenchuk shopping mall attack and other numerous victims of Russian invasion.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-first-lady-appeals-members-172835964.html|title=Ukraine's first lady appeals to members of Congress for continued support in fight against Russian invasion|publisher=Yahoo! News|website=news.yahoo.com|date=20 July 2022}}

{{blockquote|I appeal to all of you on the behalf of those who were killed, on behalf of those people who lost their arms and legs, on behalf of those who are still alive and well and those who wait for their families to come back from the front. I'm asking for something now I would never want to ask. I am asking for weapons. Weapons that would not be used to wage a war on somebody else's land, but to protect one's home and the right to wake up alive in that home.|author=Olena Zelenska}}

During the trip, Zelenska also accepted the Dissident Human Rights Award at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people.{{cite web|url=https://fakty.com.ua/ua/ukraine/20220720-upershe-vidznachyly-narod-ukrayinczi-otrymaly-premiyu-dissident-human-rights-award/|title=Уперше відзначили народ: українці отримали премію Dissident Human Rights Award|publisher=Fakty ІCTV|website=fakty.com.ua|author=Viktoria Hirko|date=20 July 2022}}

On 23 July, Ukraine will host the second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen dedicated to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63743657|title=Olena Zelenska: We will endure|publisher=BBC News|website=bbc.com|author=Lyse Doucet|date=2022-11-24}} The event is planned to be held in the format of a telebridge between different countries of the world.{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/07/23/remarks-by-president-michel-at-the-second-summit-of-first-ladies-and-gentlemen-on-ukraine-and-the-world/|title=Remarks by President Michel at the Second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen on Ukraine and the World|publisher=European Council|website=consilum.europa.eu|date=2022-07-23}} Within the Summit, fundraising for C-type ambulance vehicles was announced. USD 6.4 million was raised in total, allowing to purchase 84 ambulance vehicles for the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. These ambulance vehicles are equipped with everything necessary to quickly and safely transport the seriously injured to the hospitals.

In September 2022, Zelenska was present as an invitee to Ursula von der Leyen's third State of the European Union address, where the EU Commission President rendered homage to her courage during the war in Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/ov/speech_22_5493|title=2022 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen|publisher=European Commission|website=ec.europa.eu|date=14 September 2022}}

On 19 September 2022, Zelenska attended the state funeral in London of Queen Elizabeth II to pay her respects to the late monarch "on behalf of all Ukrainians".{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-first-lady-olena-zelenska-attends-funeral-of-queen-elizabeth-ii/|title=Ukraine's first lady attends funeral of Queen Elizabeth II as war rages in her country: "She wished us better times"|publisher=CBS News|date=19 September 2022|accessdate=20 September 2022}}

On 2 October 2022, Zelenska visited Turkey, where she discussed the evacuation of Ukrainian orphans to Turkey with Turkish first lady Emine Erdoğan, met ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, and launched the Ukrainian corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa.{{cite web |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/persha-ledi-provela-nizku-zustrichej-u-mezhah-vizitu-do-ture-78245 |title=First Lady holds number of meetings during her visit to Republic of Turkey |website=Presidential Office of Ukraine |date=2 October 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022}}

On 16 May 2023, Zelenska visited South Korea in her capacity as a special presidential envoy to Zelensky. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea said "South Korea will provide active assistance to her country in close coordination with the international community."{{Cite news |date=May 16, 2023 |title=Yoon meets with Ukraine's first lady Zelenska |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230516006852315 |work=Yonhap News Agency}}

Zelenska was alleged by social media and several news outlets in France to have spent over €40,000 during a shopping spree in Paris, during her visit in December, however, these claims proved to be false and originally circulated by pro-Russia media.{{Cite news |date=2022-12-23 |title=Fact Check-Image of Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska wearing luxury brands is altered |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/fact-check-image-of-ukraines-first-lady-idUSL1N33D1R8 |access-date=2023-01-30}}{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Brendan |date=2022-12-21 |title=Fact Check: Did Zelensky's wife go on $40K shopping spree in Paris? |url=https://www.newsweek.com/zelenska-zelensky-ukraine-russia-paris-france-shopping-spree-1768736 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}

= Olena Zelenska Foundation =

File:Презентація Фундації Олени Зеленської.jpg and Olena Zelenska during the presentation of the foundation]]

On 22 September 2022, Olena Zelenska presented her foundation at a charity evening in New York City during the 77th UN General Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-hosts-olena-zelenskas-foundation-event/|title=Metropolitan Opera Hosts Olena Zelenska's Foundation Event|website=operawire.com|author=Francisco Salazar|date=September 27, 2022}}

The Foundation's primary goal is to restore Ukraine's human capital so that every Ukrainian feels physically and mentally healthy, protected, and able to exercise their right to education, work, and build a future in Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://showbiz.24tv.ua/olena-zelenska-prezentuvala-fundatsiyu-nyu-yorku-foto-obrazu_n2163765|title=Олена Зеленська презентувала благодійну Фундацію у Нью-Йорку: фото образу першої леді|publisher=Channel 24|date=September 23, 2022}}

The Foundation has three key directions: medicine, education and humanitarian aid. Within these areas, it will provide targeted assistance, invest in reconstructing preschool and school education institutions, polyclinics, and outpatient clinics, and provide grants for training and scientific developments. The Foundation sees foreign businesses and other international foundations as its key partners and donors.

Awards

Zelenska received ShEO Awards 2022 in the nomination "World Peace".{{cite web|url= https://www.wprost.pl/kraj/10757977/olena-zelenska-dziekuje-redakcji-wprost-chce-podzielic-sie-ta-nagroda-ze-wszystkimi-ukrainskimi-kobietami.html|title=Ołena Zełenska dziękuje redakcji "Wprost". "Chcę podzielić się tą nagrodą ze wszystkimi ukraińskimi kobietami"|publisher=Wprost|website=wprost.pl|language=pl|date=2022-06-22}} The award was founded by Wprost, one of the most influential and oldest publications in Poland.

On 9 November 2022, Olena Zelenska was included in the ELLE 100 Women.{{cite web|url=https://elle.ua/ludi/novosty/olena-zelenska-uviyshla-do-top-100-vplivovih-zhinok-za-versieyu-redaktoriv-elle/|title=Олена Зеленська увійшла до 100 найвпливовіших жінок за версією редакторів ЕLLE|publisher=ELLE|website=elle.ua|language=uk|date=2022-11-09}}

File:Secretary Blinken Meets with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska (52225223080).jpg in 2022]]

On 6 December 2022, the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards, presented annually by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security for exceptional leadership in recognizing the exceptional leadership in promoting women’s rights and creating a more peaceful and secure world for all.{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/3756562-clinton-to-honor-ukrainian-first-lady-nobel-peace-prize-co-winner/|title=Hillary Clinton to honor Ukrainian first lady, Nobel Peace Prize co-winner|publisher=The Hill|website=thehill.com|author=Olafimihan Oshin|date=2022-11-30}}

She was honored as one of the BBC 100 Women in December 2022.{{Cite web |title=BBC 100 Women 2022: Who is on the list this year? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-75af095e-21f7-41b0-9c5f-a96a5e0615c1 |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

In November 2023, Olena Zelenska is included in the list of the 25 most influential women in the world according to the Financial Times.{{cite web|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/persha-ledi-ukrayini-uvijshla-do-spisku-25-najvplivovishih-z-87377|title=First Lady of Ukraine is included in the list of the 25 most influential women in the world according to the Financial Times|website=president.gov.ua|date=2023-11-30}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/womenof2023|title=The FT's 25 most influential women of 2023|publisher=Financial Times|website=ft.com|date=2023-11-30}}

Notes

References

External links

{{Sister project links|c=Category: Olena Zelenska|d=yes|q=yes|n=no|s=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|species=no}}

[https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/wife First Lady of Ukraine Official website]
Social media: {{Telegram|FirstLadyOfUkraine}}, {{Twitter|ZelenskaUA}}, {{instagram|olenazelenska_official}}
{{cite news |last1=Antrim |first1=T. |title=Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, on Life Under Siege—and How Her Country Is Moving Forward |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/ukrainian-first-lady-olena-zelenska-on-life-under-siege |work=Vogue |date=8 April 2022 | access-date=5 January 2023}}
{{Citation | vauthors=((Nast, C.)) | website=Vogue | date=26 July 2022 | title=Portrait of Bravery: Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska | url=https://www.vogue.com/article/portrait-of-bravery-ukraines-first-lady-olena-zelenska | access-date=5 January 2023}}