Thread by @olgatokariuk

While president Zelensky hasn't left Ukraine since the start of Russian full-scale war, the First Lady Olena Zelenska's international profile has been growing. Her US visit was deemed a great success.Everyone noted 🇺🇦 сolors of her and Jill Biden's shoes but it's more than this🧵

Zelenska has positioned herself on the international arena as a person who speaks for all Ukrainian mothers and children. She tells her personal story, but also that of millions of Ukrainian families affected by Russian aggression, and does that in a touching and humane way

Note that she doesn't smile on photos: and one can understand why. Many Ukrainian mothers had smiles wiped out from their faces due to incredible suffering Russia has unleashed. Zelenska is genuine in her emotions, that's why she is trusted at home and abroad

After spending the first months of the war away from the spotlight (she had to move to a secure location with their two children), Zelenska is now actively speaking with international media and pays visits abroad. On Saturday, she will host the First Ladies summit in Kyiv

She projects an image of a good mother, wife, but also of a self-made woman who preferred to remain beyond the scenes up to a point, but stepped in to become politically and diplomatically active in the most difficult time for her country. She certainly did not foresee or seek it

Zelenska is now leading the campaign raising the awareness about the importance of mental health and treatment of PTSD for Ukrainians affected by war. She is also very stylish and proudly wears Ukrainian clothing brands.
What a stark contrast - again - to Russia!
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Photos: Olena Zelenska Facebook page facebook.com/olenazelenska.…

In this thread, some key messages from Zelenska's speech at the US Congress:

https://twitter.com/OstapYarysh/status/1549789210579722241