Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's first lady, recently shared her personal experiences with the BBC regarding the profound emotional impact of Russia's invasion and the subsequent war on her family.

In a deeply intimate interview, she discussed the challenges her children face, living in a state of uncertainty caused by the conflict, which hinders their ability to plan for their futures. Additionally, she touched upon the family's longing for quality time together.

She openly stated, "It may sound self-centered, but what I truly yearn for is not a historical figure, but my husband by my side."

When Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Olena Zelenska and her children had to hide in undisclosed locations for several months. She described her initial emotional state during the invasion as a constant surge of adrenaline. Over time, she found it necessary to regain composure and adapt to life in these challenging conditions.

Emerging from hiding last year, she was unexpectedly thrust into the public eye due to the war, traveling internationally to engage with world leaders and deliver speeches.

"We are not living together as a family. While we have opportunities to see each other, it's not as frequent as we would like. My son longs for his father," she shared. Nevertheless, she emphasized their resilience, both emotionally and physically, and their shared determination to overcome these hardships.

The ongoing uncertainty of living in a war zone has taken an emotional toll on her children. She expressed her sorrow in witnessing them unable to make plans for the future, given their age and aspirations for travel and new experiences. She acknowledged the constraints they face and their efforts to adapt to their circumstances.

Olena Zelenska and President Volodymyr Zelensky, her husband, were once high school sweethearts who later collaborated in a comedy group and a television studio. While she never anticipated her husband's transformation into the historical figure he is today, she expressed her longing for him and the need for his presence as her husband.

Despite acknowledging that this longing might seem self-centered, she expressed her belief in her husband's energy, determination, inspiration, and resilience in navigating the war. She reiterated her unwavering support for him and highlighted his remarkable strength during these challenging times, underscoring the significance of his resilience for everyone involved.

In her recent role as the first lady, Olena Zelenska has been primarily focused on aiding Ukrainians in coping with the psychological impact of the war. She is currently preparing to host an upcoming event in Kyiv centered on mental health and resilience.

"I sincerely hope that I can be a source of inspiration for someone, offer hope, guidance, or demonstrate through my own experiences that we can continue to live, work, and move forward," she stated.

She also pointed out the unpredictability of life's challenges, emphasizing that no one could have foreseen the outbreak of such a brutal war in the heart of Europe in the 21st century. This war has been both shocking and devastating.

Olena Zelenska highlighted that Ukrainians live with uncertainty about tomorrow and the future, but they hold onto hope. "Our hope for victory is immense, although the timing remains uncertain. The prolonged waiting and constant stress take their toll," she explained.