Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, is the cover story for this month’s Vogue Magazine. She was photographed on the steps of a state building. She is sitting in front of pillars which appear to be fortified by sandbags. They are bags of grain being stored for her struggling nation.

The image is one of a strong individual holding her ground. And that is clearly the positions of all her fellow Ukrainians. The Vogue feature has received mixed reviews. Some critics say the “fashionable” photo shoot is in poor taste in a country under siege. Others argue that it is an appropriate reminder of the continuing conflict to the upscale and charitable readers of Vogue.

Intimate portrait of Olena and
Volodymyr by Vogue Magazine.

Here is some important background: Ukraine became a sovereign nation in 1990 and a year later declared its independence. In 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed the Crimean Peninsula. Continual struggles with Russian forces have occurred since then in the eastern Donbas area and today it remains the epicenter of the current conflicts. The Ukrainian people did not provoke this conflict but they are absolutely determined not to give up any more of their land.

THE FACTS TO DATE
The Russian/ Ukraine conflict began
on February 24th, 2022. The United
Nations reports that to date 28,000
Ukraine civilians have been killed and
7000 wounded. 11,000 Ukraine soldiers
were killed, with 18,000 wounded
wand 5000 captured.

Russia calls its action in Ukraine a “special military operation.” This summer House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that if he didn’t designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, the lawmakers themselves would do so. While the attack on Ukraine is clearly unprovoked and greatly one-sided, the Biden administration does not want to disturb the broad coalition of countries that currently are putting pressure on Russia to pull back.

“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.” ~ Olena Zelenska

It never occurred to Olena Zelenska to become a Ukrainian ambassador. When the attacks began she and her two children sought refuge far from Kiev City, the capitol of Ukraine. She states that she is a behind-the-scenes person, but it appears that she is doing a good job getting the word out to the world. She is the first wife of a foreign leader to address the U.S. Congress. She has also connected with the wives of leaders in France, Israel, Poland and Lithuania, It was only after U.S. First lady Jill Biden visited war-torn Ukraine that Zelenska actually has ventured out.

Olena Zelenska greets U.S. First Lady,
Jill Biden visiting Ukraine.

#23 MON AQU 2/6/1978 Olena Zelenska	#47 WED AQU 1/25/1978 Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Olena Zenenska was born in a Monday in the zodiac sign of Aquarius. The Moon is the ruler of her INNER SELF and Saturn, or Uranus governs her OUTER SELF. The emotions of individuals with the #23 MON AQU Dayology Signature tend to run the gamete from high to low.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy was born on a Wednesday in the zodiac sign of Aquarius. Mercury is the ruler of his INNER SELF and Saturn or Uranus, governs his OUTERSELF. Individuals with the #47 MER AQU Dayology Signature come across as extremely bright and terribly inventive.

Yes, these partners have Aquarius Sun Signs which is highly unusual. The majority of committed pairs do not share the same zodiac sign, particularly Aquarians. Most with this zodiac sign are bent on being unique and independent. This husband and wife team do a great job in respecting each other’s differences. Their personal relationship is incredibly stable but not ordinary. A true story is told by Olena that she learned that Volodymyr was running for prime minister when she saw it on social media. He had totally forgotten to mention his big decision to her.

“I am a non-public person. But the new
realities require their own rules, and I’m
trying to comply with them,” Olena admits.
“I can’t say that publicity or communication
with the press is stressful for me. But I
prefer staying backstage. My husband is
always on the forefront, while I feel more
comfortable in the shade. I am not the life
of the party, I do not like to tell jokes. It’s
not in my character. But I found reasons
for myself in favor of publicity.
One of them is the opportunity to
attract people’s attention to
important social issues.” 
~ Olena Zelenska

 The President and First Lady of Ukraine happened to be school classmates, but they did not meet until high school. They dated during their time at  Kryvyi Rih Economic Institute. She was studying architecture and he was working on a law degree. After they married and had two children Volodymyr made a quick right turn and ventured into television as a situation comedy actor. Olena worked as a scriptwriter on the series which depicted her husband as an idealistic president of Ukraine. Oddly life followed art and Volodymyr now plays this role for real.

They manage to find bits of time for themselves. Olena and Volodymyr
enjoying a private moment and
a selfie on Valentine’s Day!

Strong Females

They get the job done!