TIME Magazine names Olena Zelenska and Oleksandra Matviichuk among the 100 most influential people of 2023

Ukraine's First Lady and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties were included in the "Leaders" category. 

First Lady of The United States Jill Biden recalls a meeting with Olena Zelenska on Mother's Day in Uzhhorod in 2022. "In the strain of her smile, I could see the weight she carried: the sleep lost to the percussion of falling bombs, the tales of atrocities that she would never forget. In her eyes, however, was the fierce determination and dignity that has defined her people," Jill Biden says.

Biden called Zelenska a mother, protector, the pride of her nation, and a beacon of hope for the people she loves.

In 2022, Oleksandra Matviichuk won the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Violence against civilians is a crime against society, democracy, and humanity. Yet, it is too often perpetrated with impunity, particularly against women and girls. That’s why the work that Oleksandra and her organization [the Center for Civil Liberties — ed.] are doing is so urgent and important. By documenting Russia’s atrocities so perpetrators can face prosecution, she is the proof that women are not just victims of war; they can be agents of peace and justice," a former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says. 

Evan Gershkovich, a journalist with The Wall Street Journal arrested in Russia, was also included in the Leaders category. Gershkovich is accused of espionage. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

It will be recalled, TIME Magazine named Volodymyr Zelenskyy as its 2022 Person of the Year and the "spirit of Ukraine".