Ukrainian First Lady: 'We have no doubt we will prevail'
BBC News
By Yalda Hakim and Mattea Bubalo
Kyiv, Ukraine - Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, got to bed late on the eve of the Russian invasion.
As she prepared for what she knew would be a devastating day, she says she kissed her children goodbye, promising them that everything would be OK.
"I didn't know if I would see them again," she tells the BBC in an exclusive interview, her voice trembling as she speaks.
It's a sentiment echoed by many Ukrainians in the early hours of 24 February, when Russian forces launched a full-scale assault on their country.
But nearly five months later, Mrs Zelenska says she is more determined than ever that Ukraine will emerge victorious from this conflict.
"We have no doubt we will prevail," she says, her eyes fixed on the future. "We are fighting for our freedom, for our independence, for our children."
Mrs Zelenska's resilience is a reflection of the spirit of the Ukrainian people, who have defied all odds to hold back the Russian advance.
But she says the war has taken a heavy toll on her family and on the nation as a whole.
"Every day I hear about new atrocities committed by the Russian army," she says. "It's hard to imagine the pain and suffering that has been inflicted upon our people."
Despite the challenges, Mrs Zelenska says she is hopeful for the future. She believes that Ukraine will emerge from this conflict stronger than ever before.
"We will rebuild our country and we will make it even more beautiful than before," she says.
Mrs Zelenska's unwavering determination is a beacon of hope for all Ukrainians, both at home and abroad. Her message is clear: Ukraine will not be defeated.
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