"First Ladies Respond to Zelenska's Appeal: 'We Will Not Let Enemies Kill Newborn Children'"

The frightened eyes of a Ukrainian boy taking shelter from Russian artillery fire [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its third week, Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed gratitude to the first ladies around the world who have offered help.

On the 22nd (local time), according to The Guardians, Zelenska wrote in an article for the French daily Le Parisien, "As soon as the war broke out, I asked first ladies worldwide to help evacuate Ukrainian women and children, and there was a response from all over Europe," adding, "Everyone deserves the Nobel Peace Prize."

She especially thanked Brigitte Macron, wife of President Emmanuel Macron, for being the first to respond to the request. She also revealed that with the help of Agata Kornhauser Duda, wife of Polish President Andrzej Duda, children with cancer were able to be moved to safe locations.

Zelenska stated, "By March 18, more than 109 children had died and over 120 were injured," and "More than 4,000 babies were born in basements, subways, bomb shelters, and sometimes in bombed maternity wards."

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine (right) and his wife Olena Zelenska (left). Photo by Olena Zelenska Instagram

She continued, "It is not new that Russia is systematically destroying hospitals. Due to Russia's invasion, children are born in bomb shelters and are threatened by a lack of electricity," appealing for attention.

Currently, Zelenska is carrying out a project to deliver incubators supported by France to Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine and Kharkiv in the east. Zelenska emphasized, "I will not let the enemies kill newborn babies."

When asked about the role of women in the war, she replied, "Women are also fighting in the military and are registered in units defending the territory," adding, "Other women are giving birth in shelters and taking care of their own children as well as others' children."

She also said she was not surprised by her husband's composure and firmness during the war, stating, "All Ukrainians and the world have seen his principles and strength. He will not betray Ukraine's interests."

Meanwhile, President Zelensky and Olena Zelenska met at university in 1995, dated for eight years, married in 2003, and have a daughter (17) and a son (9).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.