Zelensky admits visits to his children are "too dangerous" as he signals potential exit from politics after the war

In a rare interview, Volodymyr Zelensky discusses the personal toll of the war, his family's safety, and why he may not run for president again.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 7:30 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Independent

The high cost of presidential security

Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that he spends very little time with his wife, Olena Zelenska, and their two children, citing the extreme danger his presence brings to them. Living under the constant threat of Russian intelligence—which has reportedly orchestrated at least 11 plots to kill him—Zelensky explained that he must avoid visiting his family at their secret location to prevent them from becoming targets for Moscow's air campaigns or local proxies. This isolation is a reality he shares with hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers currently separated from their loved ones.

The impact of war on a "decapitated" leadership

The president reflected on the early days of the 2022 invasion when Russian special forces and FSB units attempted to "decapitate" the Ukrainian government. Despite surviving numerous assassination attempts and refusing offers from the United States to flee into exile, the security protocols governing his life remain stringent. He noted that even his visits to domestic sites like factories are limited, as his movements are closely monitored by the Kremlin, and any location he visits risks becoming a target for Russian bombardment.

Political exhaustion and the question of re-election

After four years of wartime leadership, the former comedian turned president appeared visibly aged and tired during the interview. While he remains the face of Ukrainian defiance, Zelensky was candid about his political future. Under current martial law, he is legally unable to call an election, but when asked if he would run again once peace is secured, he admitted, "I am not sure that I would." He expressed a desire to avoid being a president who uses "administrative resources" to cling to power when his popularity might be waning.