The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: meeting Ukraine’s first lady
Dec 1, 2023
James Miles, The Economist’s China writer at large, shares fascinating insights into China’s ambitious toilet revolution, grappling with disparities between urban and rural facilities. He also discusses the unexpected resilience of the superyacht industry, thriving despite economic challenges. Olena Zelenska speaks about her role as Ukraine’s first lady, advocating for mental health amid conflict, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being, and the struggle to maintain family connections during wartime.
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An Unplanned Presidency
- Olena Zelenska found out about her husband's presidential run on television.
- She maintains a strong relationship with him despite wartime separation.
Family Life During War
- The Zelenskyys' children, a 19-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son, are impacted by the war.
- Their son misses his father, while their daughter's new boyfriend adds a touch of normalcy to their lives.
Accepting the New Reality
- Accepting the new reality instead of waiting for the war's end leads to better mental well-being for Ukrainians.
- Olena Zelenska's experience reflects this wider Ukrainian experience.