Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, has stated that she believes Russia plans to destroy her nation.
Zelenska told Polish daily Rzeczpospolita that the invasion of Ukraine “totally affected everything, including our life”; in an interview in which she exposed the terrible changes the conflict has had on her family and fellow residents.
President Volodymyr Zelensky “moved to Bankowa Street (the president’s office in Kyiv), at his place of business;” Zelenska said in a remote interview aired on April 28, while she stayed with their children since the invasion began on February 24.
“In the battle, there are no days off from work and no time off. You may not even be aware of the day of the week. There is just today, and there is only what needs to be done “she said.
Zelenksa claimed her children are learning virtually; while she organises evacuations of sick and orphaned children to safe regions through her initiative with other first ladies, administrations of specific nations, activists, and volunteers.
When asked if the war had changed her husband, she responded, “Yes, it has.” “I get asked this question a lot for some reason. But the conflict had no effect on him.”
You must realise that he has always been like way. He was a man who could be trusted. A man who will never let you down. Now the entire globe has seen something that may not have been obvious to everyone previously.”
In answer to a question on what she believes Vladimir Putin intends to achieve in Ukraine. Zelenska stated Russia’s messaging is “constantly changing” and “this leads to the conclusion that their objectives are not running logically.” But I don’t evaluate people by their words; I assess them by their actions.” The actions of Russian forces in Ukraine led to the conclusion that the Russians are attempting to kill the Ukrainian people, which is their actual goal.
“This conclusion comes to mind when I see the destruction of Mariupol; from which even safe evacuation through humanitarian corridors was not permitted, when I see the bombing of residential buildings in Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Odesa, and the railway station in Kramatorsk, which was destroyed by a Russian missile; killing more than 50 people who attempted to flee,” she said.
“Of course, I came to this conclusion after the Russians perpetrated war crimes in the Kyiv region; where mass graves of slaughtered, executed non-combatants, women, and children continue to be discovered,” she stated.
“Yes, I believe the Russians aim to exterminate us and commit genocide. And it makes no difference what they say because their words do not correspond to their actions.”
Zelenska also expressed gratitude to Poland for assisting Ukrainian refugees, who are “waiting for the most important news — that we have won and that they may return home.”
“I’ll be pleased when I can pass it on to them one day, preferably as soon as possible,” she continued.
