Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska begins high-profile trip to US

Olena Zelenska
Olena Zelenska was travelling alone with her husband still in Kyiv
AP
William Mata19 July 2022

Ukraine’s first lady has started a high-profile visit to the United States by meeting Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Olena Zelenska will also meet her American counterpart Jill Biden while she is in Washington DC.

Ms Zelenska was greeted with Ukrainian flags on Pennsylvania Avenue for her first day in the US capital in which she also met Samantha Power, head of the US agency for international development.

Mr Blinken reportedly assured Ms Zelenska of the United States' commitment to Ukraine, and commended her for her work with civilians dealing with trauma and other damage from the war.

Olena Zelenska and Volodymyr Zelensky - In pictures

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A photo op of the visit was announced but then cancelled, reflecting the low key nature of the visit with Ms Zelenska not travelling as an official representative of her husband.

Mr Blinken wrote on Twitter: “Met today with Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska to discuss the immense humanitarian costs of President Putin’s war.

“The United States remains committed to helping the people of Ukraine defend themselves from Russia, secure justice, and rebuild their country.”

The state department’s spokesman Ned Price added on Twitter: “@SecBlinken met today with first lady Zelenska to express his admiration for Ukraine’s extraordinary resilience and condemn Russia’s brutal atrocities.

“Comprehensive assistance and accountability continue to be among the top priorities for the US.”

Ms Zelenska did not mention the meeting on her own social media account.

The 44-year-old has been married to Volodymyr Zelenskyy since 2003, the pair having been at school and university together before she wrote material while he was a TV actor.

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