The girl who moved Zelenskyy to tears at a parade has grown up: here's what she looks like now
Translated from Lithuanian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Jesenija Selezniova, the girl who moved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to tears at a 2021 parade, is now 15 and pursuing an artistic career in Kyiv.
- She is a professional ballet dancer, singer, and actress who has achieved international success, including a first-place win at the "Tanzolymp" dance competition in 2025 and a top-twelve finish at the "Youth America Grand Prix" in 2024.
- Selezniova actively shares her life, performances, and behind-the-scenes rehearsal moments on Instagram, showcasing her journey as a young artist.
Jesenija Selezniova, the young girl whose emotional performance brought Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to tears during a 2021 Independence Day parade, has grown into a talented 15-year-old artist. Now living in Kyiv, Selezniova is actively pursuing a multifaceted artistic career, impressing many with her development since her viral moment.
Selezniova is a professional ballet dancer, singer, and actress. Her dedication to the arts has already led to significant international achievements. In 2025, she secured first place at the "Tanzolymp" dance competition. The previous year, she was recognized among the top twelve participants in the prestigious "Youth America Grand Prix." Her talents have also been showcased on television, having participated in "The Voice of Ukraine. Kids 5" and starring in the musical "School of the Year."
Beyond her stage and competition successes, Selezniova maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram. Here, she offers her followers a glimpse into her life as a young performer. Her feed features professional photoshoots, performance highlights, behind-the-scenes looks at demanding rehearsals, and glimpses of her daily routine. This engagement allows her audience to follow her artistic journey and witness her growth as a dedicated young talent.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.