Jessica Chastain’s Visit to Ukraine, Explained
The first weekend of August saw A-list actress, Jessica Chastain, head to Kyiv, Ukraine—a trip that served as a way to keep the world’s attention on the Russian invasion of the country, even as the news cycle moves on—chasing breaking news.
Chastain—fresh off of her Oscar for The Eyes of Tammy Faye at the 94th Academy Awards last March—arrived in Kyiv and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andriii Yermak, the Head of the Presidential Administration, on August 7th.
“They’re incredibly brave and very strong,” Chastain said of the Ukrainian people during her talk with Zelenskyy, who remarked in a video captured by NowThis that it’s very important for him and for the country that the topic of Ukraine is not forgotten— especially when it comes to humanitarian aid.
At the end of their talk, Zelenskyy posted a couple of pictures of their meeting on his Telegram channel, accompanying them with a note which was reported by Variety:
“American actress Jessica Chastain is in Ukraine today. For us, such visits of famous people are extremely valuable. Thanks to this the world will hear, know and understand the truth about what is happening in our country even more. Thanks for the support!”
Jessica Chastain also visited Okhmatdyt, one of the major children’s hospitals in the Ukrainian capital. She’s definitely not the first Hollywood star to fly to Kyiv to publicly show their support for the country and its people—Ben Stiller, Sean Penn, Live Schreiber, and Angelina Jolie have visited as well. A video showing Jolie rushing to a bomb shelter after air-raid sirens went off during her trip this past Spring made its way across news channels all over the world.
Zelenskyy also mentioned Chastain’s visit in his daily address to the Ukrainian people, which he has been doing since the start of the Russian invasion:
“Ukraine will do everything to make our struggle and Ukrainian needs known in all countries of the world and in all audiences—even those who usually do not follow political life. In particular, American actress Jessica Chastain arrived in Kyiv today. She visited Okhmatdyt and saw with her own eyes the consequences of the Russian occupation in Irpin, Kyiv region. Her story about our war will definitely be heard. We are preparing an important humanitarian event and I am grateful to all friends of Ukraine abroad and to everyone who helps expand our ties in the world. We are doing everything to win, everything to protect our country.”
(via: Variety; image: Paramount)
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