Olena Zelenska: 'I need my husband, not a historical figure, by my side'

In a highly personal interview, Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska has told the BBC of the emotional impact the war has had on her family, Report informs.

"This may be a bit selfish, but I need my husband, not a historical figure, by my side," she said.

She also spoke of the family missing spending time together.

"But we stay strong, we have strength both emotionally and physically. And I am sure we will handle it together," she added.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Olena Zelenska spent months in hiding in secret locations with her children.

She described her emotional state at the beginning of the invasion as "a constant feeling of adrenaline". As time passed, she found it was "necessary" to calm herself and start living life in "the existing conditions".

"We don't live together with my husband, the family is separated." Olena Zelenska told the BBC, "We have the opportunity to see each other but not as often as we would like. My son misses his father."

However the uncertainty of living in war has come at an emotional cost for her children, she said.

"It pains me to watch that my kids don't plan anything. At such an age, young people. My daughter is 19. They dream of travelling, of new sensations, emotions. She does not have such an opportunity.

Despite what she said may be a "selfish" longing, Olena Zelenska said the president, "really does have the energy, the willpower, inspiration, and stubbornness to go through this war."

"I believe in him. And I support him. I know that he has enough strength. For any other person I know, I think, it would be much harder this situation. He really is a very strong and resilient person. And this resilience is what we all need right now."

Ukrainians cannot be sure about tomorrow or have confidence in the future, she explained - but they have hope.

"We have huge hope for victory, but we don't know when it comes. And this long wait, constant stress, it has its toll."