UNITED STAND
»»Zelensky & wife together after she was forced to flee »»He says: ‘We didn’t start war... but we will finish it’
IT was a precious, touching few moments when a couple torn apart by war showed the world how love can always beat hate.
As Vladimir Putin’s Russia triumphantly announced control over shattered Mariupol, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and wife Olena – reunited after three months of hell – spoke tenderly of the sadness of separation and their mutual devotion.
The couple’s first interview together since the war began was a meeting with Ukrainian journalists over a cup of tea to mark three years in power, with Mr Zelensky admitting only diplomacy could end the conflict.
Olena, 44 – forced to flee Kyiv in February with their two young children as her husband became the top target for invading Russian forces – said: “I can’t say Volodymyr has changed since the start of this war.
“He was a reliable husband and a reliable man before, and that he remains. His point of view hasn’t changed, the way he’s wired hasn’t changed.” Until this week their only contact had been by phone.
The couple revealed they’d call while they were eating to feel closer. The president said: “You would say, I’m having dinner, and I would say, me too! – but we couldn’t do it together.
“I’d always finish the call thinking there is something missing, something more delicious yet to be eaten.” When asked by his wife if the war had changed her, Mr Zelensky replied: “You look beautiful [as always].”
Screenwriter Zelenska teasingly admitted she didn’t have time to edit his epic speeches adding: “Sometimes he uses too many literary devices – and sometimes too few.” Turning to the war and questions of how it will end, the president said: “We want everything to return. Russia does not want that.
“I really thought we could end with a pure dialogue but this will be a bloody war, fought on the battlefield. We weren’t the ones who started this war but we will be the ones to end it.
“However, the end will be in diplomacy, because there are some things we will not be able to finish otherwise than at the negotiating table.”
Russia yesterday claimed control of Mariupol after the final Azovstal steel plant defenders surrendered. It banned 963 US officials from entering the country including President Biden after he announced £32billion in extra aid for Ukraine.
Finland was banned from importing Russian gas after refusing to pay in rubles. And Poland asked for more EU help to cope with the number of refugees sheltering in the country.