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Born in the USA: The First Lady of Ukraine

Raised in Chicago by her Ukrainian émigré family, Kateryna Yushchenko always cherished her heritage. Here, the wife of Ukraine’s President talks candidly about the dangers her family faces in a fledgling democracy.

When Kateryna Yushchenko’s parents migrated to the United States in 1956, it was because of war and famine, not desire. As a result, they always kept their homeland in their family’s heart. So it was no surprise to anyone when, in 1992, the 29-year old economist relocated to Kiev; nor, perhaps, that she gravitated toward her future husband, Viktor Yushchenko, when she met him in 1993. (She was a manager for an international accounting firm; he was head of the National Bank of Ukraine.) Five years later they married and now have three young children of their own: Sophia, six, Chrystyna, four, and Taras, one.

Last year the Yushchenkos made international headlines when Viktor ran for president and narrowly lost the election to a Russian-backed candidate. When evidence of massive electoral fraud surfaced, Ukrainians all over the world rallied for him in what has become known as the Orange Revolution. While campaigning, Viktor had become violently ill with what was later diagnosed as dioxin poisoning – allegedly administered by his opposition. He survived the attack and won the revote in December, though he is still recovering his health and appearance. (One effect of the toxin is skin disfiguration.)

Mr. Yushchenko’s political and personal struggles have raised the profile of Ukraine in all venues, even fashion: This season, Jean Paul Gaultier announced that his couture line was inspired by Ukraine, and Mrs. Yushchenko was a guest of honor at his show. Indisputably, at 44, Kateryna Yushchenko is hitting her stride and helping her husband rewrite history.

Harper’s Bazaar: Can you tell us what really happened with your husband’s poisoning?

Kateryna Yushchenko: They’re still investigating. I personally feared something would happen because the change that Viktor and his team represented was too threatening to the old regime. Many people would write us letters saying, “Be careful. Something can happen to him.” I believe it was very much God’s will and the prayers of millions of people that kept him from dying. Luckily, his health is steadily improving, he’s getting back his old strength, his old looks, and we have great optimism that within a year or two he will be as handsome as he ever was…. My husband’s father survived Auschwitz and several other concentration camps. I think one of the reasons Viktor survived is that he comes from a family of survivors.

HB: Was it love at first sight for you and your husband?

KY: He now says it was. But I think it was great admiration at first sight that grew over time into great love…. I remember being very impressed with how much he knew about economics and the world financial system. But what also impressed me was his willingness to learn, his willingness to ask questions. He was young, dynamic and very patriotic.

HB: Was it difficult to settle in Ukraine?

KY: No, because I grew up with a foot in both worlds. My parents were very grateful to the United States for accepting them, but they still kept their traditions. At home, we spoke Ukrainian. I grew up thinking that someday I would go back there.

HB: How do you feel Ukrainians and Americans differ?

KY: Mostly in that Ukrainians tend to be a bit more traditional, formal. A Ukrainian woman will get more dressed up to go to the store, to take a walk in the park. She’ll wear high heels; she’ll put on makeup. More attention is given to clothes. At first I may have resisted that, but with time you adapt to the country in which you live, and I began thinking about my clothes more and more.

Also, the United States is multicultural; you adopt the food and music from different countries. Ukraine has its own history, its own culture, its own food, its own music. When Ukrainians get together, it’s not unusual for them to spend two hours singing songs everyone knows.

HB: Have you taught your children American traditions?

KY: We often celebrate holidays – Christmas, Thanksgiving – in the way I remember celebrating them at home. I’ve always liked the idea of having a day when everyone gathers around the table and thanks God for what they have.

HB: How will your children’s childhoods differ from yours?

KY: I, for example, never traveled – I didn’t see the ocean until I was 19. We never went to restaurants: we stayed home a great deal. My children, on the other hand, have opportunities to travel everywhere, to meet new people, to learn many languages.

HB: What is the one thing you miss about America?

KY: The freedom to just get into a car and go anywhere. When I visit the U.S., the first thing I do is rent a car, turn on the radio and drive – for hours. I’m nervous about driving in Ukraine or anywhere in Europe. Maybe I’m just not used to the style of driving. And now, in our new position, we have drivers.

HB: What’s a typical day as first lady like?

KY: When we are not doing official things, I am running the foundation my husband started [Ukraine 3000] to promote Ukrainian art, culture and history. We want to find partners abroad such as hospitals and universities that can work with us to improve our medical system. We also want to create partnerships in which businesses, church groups and youth groups work together to promote social welfare of Ukraine.

HB: How do you juggle being first lady with motherhood?

KY: I’m always up first thing in the morning to get my daughters dressed and take them to school, and I spend some time with my son. On evenings and weekends my husband and I try to always spend time with the children. If we have official duties, we try to have them involved.

HB: What kinds of preparations, beauty -  and fashionwise, do you make for state events?

KY: When my husband won the election, I met with many Ukrainian designers whom I had already known. I’d attended Ukrainian fashion shows for years, and I asked each designer to make me different things, evening gowns and suits. Gathering a new wardrobe was exciting; it was a duty but a pleasure. Interestingly, last May, I met Jean Paul Gaultier in Kiev. He captured the Ukrainian spirit in his latest couture collection and demonstrated to the world the richness of the Ukrainian culture and tradition. I can see myself wearing three or four of the collection’s outfits.

When deciding what to wear for an event, I think about the country and the people we’re going to be receiving. If I’m wearing an outfit that’s not by a Ukrainian designer, I always try to add something Ukrainian: a pin made by local artist, something historical or at least a touch of orange [the color of the revolution.] Additionally, I have someone help me do my hair and makeup.

When we have foreign guests or when we go abroad, I also spend a lot of time thinking about gifts. My husband and I feel very strongly that we have to present gifts that will help the people better understand our culture.

HB: What do you think will be your husband’s legacy?

KY: That he taught the people that they could stand up for their rights, which they did, and to have hope for their future. You could say it took 1000 years for this to happen.