Zelensky later said in his video address that Penn had been “doing everything to help us garner international support” since visiting the Ukrainian capital on the day of the invasion.
Zelensky later said in his video address that Penn had been “doing everything to help us garner international support” since visiting the Ukrainian capital on the day of the invasion.
Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, sanctioned by Russia for criticizing his war in Ukraine, lent his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday.
“It’s just a symbolic, silly thing,” he said, sitting beside the Ukrainian leader at a ceremonial table and clasping his hand to emphasize his words, as aides smiled and laughed. “When you win, bring it back to Malibu.”
The presidential office said Zelensky presented Penn, who is making a documentary in Ukraine and marking his third wartime visit, to help strengthen ties, support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and popularize the country. With respect to the Order of Merit, the President’s Office said.
One video showed two people en route to see a plaque bearing Penn’s signature, February 24, the date of the Russian invasion, and the “Alley of Courage” installed in Zelensky’s paving stones, which was inaugurated in August to honor friends. was done to. Ukraine.
Zelensky, a former comedian and actor, later said in his nightly video address that since Penn visited the Ukrainian capital on the day of the invasion, he had been “doing everything to help us gather international support”. .
The alley, he said, was a gesture of gratitude to the leading figures who defended independence with Ukrainians, but was also “a reminder to all future generations of our people that the various peoples, forces and industries united for our victory.” did.”
Other honorees nominated by Zelensky included the President of the European Commission, Latvia and Poland, the Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia, and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (Reporting by Elaine Monaghan in Washington, DC; Editing by Lincoln Feast)