Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, sanctioned by Russia for criticizing its battle in Ukraine, loaned his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy throughout a go to to Kyiv on Tuesday.
“It’s just a symbolic, silly thing,” he mentioned, seated beside the Ukrainian chief at a ceremonial desk and urgent his hand on his arm to emphasise his phrases as aides smiled and laughed. “When you win, bring it back to Malibu.”
Zelenskyy introduced Penn, who’s making a documentary in Ukraine and marking his third wartime go to, with the Order of Merit honor for strengthening relations, backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and serving to to popularize the nation, the president’s workplace mentioned.
A video confirmed the 2 males on their strategy to view a plaque bearing Penn’s signature, dated Feb. 24, the date of the Russian invasion, and set within the paving stones of an “Alley of Courage” Zelenskyy inaugurated in August to honor associates of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, a former comic and actor, mentioned later in his nightly video tackle that Penn had been “doing everything to help us gather international support” ever since he visited the Ukrainian capital on the day of the invasion.
The alley, he mentioned, was an indication of gratitude to outstanding figures who defend freedom with Ukrainians, but in addition “a reminder to all future generations of our people that different people, forces and industries united for our victory.”
Other honorees named by Zelenskyy included the presidents of the European Commission, Latvia and Poland, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia, and Boris Johnson, the previous British prime minister.
