Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has opened up about the effect of Russia's invasion on her family.
In an interview with NBC News on Wednesday (July 20), Zelenska revealed that her nine-year-old son wanted to learn to use a rifle as a result of President Putin's military operation in their home country.
Zelenska - who is married to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - shares two children with the leader, an 18-year-old daughter, and a nine-year-old son.
Since Russia first launched its invasion in February, the family has been largely split up, with the President on the ground organizing Ukraine's defense and his wife and kids kept at a separate location.
The First Lady explained to NBC News how the war has robbed her son of his childhood, saying: "Before the war, my son used to go to the folk dance ensemble. He played piano. He learned English. He of course attended sports club. Now, the only thing he wants to do is martial arts and how to use a rifle."
She went on to say that her son even wants to become a soldier one day - but that if she had things her way, he would go back to being a regular child.
"What I really want to ensure, is that the childhood of my son is given back to him and that he enjoys his life to the fullest," she said.
Although Zelenska and her children were not able to see Zelensky at all for the first few months of the way, she revealed to CNN last month that - as the family is no longer in hiding - they are now able to see each other for short periods every now and then.
Even with limited contact, she revealed that their relationship is "on pause" as a result of the pressures of war.
"This isn't normal. It's not a normal relationship when children cannot see their father and have to talk to him on the phone. So our relationship is on pause just as it is for all Ukrainians," she said.
If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.
