Ukraine’s One Thousand One Hundred Eleven
Any war is fought not only on the front lines. The same is true for Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, launched on 24 February 2022 by dictator and war criminal Vladimir Putin. This war is taking place not only in the east and south of Ukraine, where thousands of Russian invaders perish daily in senseless human-wave assaults, but also across the globe, which—no matter how clichéd it may sound—will never be the same again.
The world has divided into despotic, dictatorial regimes, united in an "Axis of Evil," and democratic countries, which, despite their differences, strive to uphold humanitarian principles and resist tyranny. Now, more than ever, the voice of every individual choosing a side in this existential confrontation matters. Particularly significant are the voices of renowned figures: globally famous actors, directors, singers, athletes, writers, artists, businesspeople, and scientists whose opinions influence millions worldwide. Each of their statements, as well as their moral or material support for Ukraine’s struggle for its right to exist, is a form of warfare—no less critical than where bullets fly and artillery shells explode.
In nearly three years of this cynical war, many global celebrities have expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Numerous others have visited Ukraine, despite air raid sirens, missile attacks, and genuine danger to their lives. The Ukrainian people are grateful to each of these individuals for their support, all aimed at revealing the truth about Russia’s war crimes and the genocide of Ukrainians during 2022–2024 to the entire world. While in Ukraine, prominent actors, directors, and musicians have also filmed scenes for their future projects, depicting the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people and the face of 21st-century warfare.
Ukraine’s supporters are not limited to Hollywood stars and cultural figures with Ukrainian roots or heritage, such as Liev Schreiber, Marina Mazepa, Ivanna Sakhno, Chuck Palahniuk, Katheryn Winnick, Vera Farmiga, and Mila Kunis. Many other globally acclaimed talents have stood in solidarity as well.
How It All Began
Russia’s war against Ukraine has been ongoing for far more than three years—even longer than a decade, if we count from 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and invaded the Donbas with its “polite people” devoid of insignias or identification. This war, or rather its modern phase, began almost at the outset of the FSB-trained president Putin’s rule. However, while earlier it was waged primarily through political and economic means, it became increasingly radical following Putin’s infamous Munich speech in 2007. At the security conference, he criticised the unipolar world order, and from that point, the conflict escalated—from direct interference by Russian intelligence in Ukraine’s domestic politics to multiple attempts to install a puppet regime under Kremlin control.
Since those early days, the global cultural and intellectual community has supported Ukraine in its quest for true independence, sovereignty, and its historical aspiration to join the European Union, of which Ukraine has been—and remains—a part.
United24 Ambassadors
Following the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, numerous global celebrities stood in solidarity with Ukraine. Despite the so-called “war fatigue,” these public figures continue to support Ukraine, responding sincerely to every war crime committed by Russian occupiers. Among the first to react to the tragedy were Sean Penn (who was in Kyiv during the early days of the invasion), Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katheryn Winnick, and others. The desire of global stars and ordinary citizens from other countries to help Ukraine needed to be organised into an effective and actionable initiative.
On 3 May, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the imminent launch of a platform to raise funds in support of Ukraine:
“Anyone in the world can donate and help Ukraine fight for our freedom. We want to unite the world in supporting our country: ordinary people, charitable foundations, international companies, and thought leaders across the globe. The platform is also necessary to ensure maximum transparency and openness about the use of the collected funds: where they go and who receives them.”
On 5 May, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of the global initiative United24, with its first component being an online platform to raise funds in support of the country. Donations are distributed across three key areas: defence and demining, humanitarian and medical aid, and rebuilding Ukraine.
All funds are transferred to the accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated to relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Infrastructure. Reports on the platform are updated weekly.
As of 1 July 2023, the initiative had raised $380 million from 110 countries, and by May 2024, this figure had grown to $650 million. The project’s partners include both Ukrainian and international companies. However, United24 owes much of its global recognition to the efforts of renowned Ukrainian and international ambassadors, whose current number approaches 30.
Among these ambassadors are billionaire businessman Richard Branson, Balenciaga designer and creative director Demna Gvasalia, adventurer and television host Bear Grylls, American astronaut Scott Kelly, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk, Canadian actress of Ukrainian descent Katheryn Winnick, historian and author Timothy Snyder, philosopher Francis Fukuyama, Star Wars legend Mark Hamill, iconic vocalist and actress Barbra Streisand, American producer, director, and actor of Ukrainian heritage Liev Schreiber, actress Hilary Swank, singer Alyssa Milano, and even the legendary rock band Imagine Dragons.
The list of celebrities standing shoulder to shoulder with war-torn Ukraine is impressive, yet it extends far beyond the ambassadors of this fundraising platform—it is, one might say, just a drop in the ocean.
How It Works
Global stars support Ukraine not only with words of encouragement for its people or condemnation of Russian aggression but also through significant actions addressing urgent humanitarian needs and strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
Source: United24
For instance, Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, made his first public show of support for Ukraine on 1 March 2022 via Twitter. By September of the same year, he had joined President Volodymyr Zelensky’s initiative and began raising funds for the “Army of Drones” for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Ukraine needs drones. They determine the outcomes of war, protect the land and people, monitor borders—they are the eyes in the sky,” Hamill said about the importance of this effort.
As a United24 ambassador, Hamill has given dozens of interviews and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Ukraine, including $300,000 from the auction of exclusive Star Wars posters autographed by him. Currently, the actor continues raising funds for ten Danish RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones, even releasing a promotional video for the cause.
Additionally, Hamill lent his voice to the English-language version of the “Air Alert” app. Foreigners in Ukraine can hear the iconic actor’s voice during attacks by Shahed drones or ballistic missiles launched by Russia. When the threat is lifted, Hamill’s voice delivers the famous line, “May the Force be with you!”
Source: GettyImages
Another ambassador, Barbra Streisand, has shown deep empathy for Ukraine’s struggle:
“As someone with Jewish heritage and Ukrainian roots, I am especially moved by the Ukrainian people's fight for freedom. Their resilience and courage inspire everyone who works to preserve democracy and combat authoritarianism. You and your country have my full support.”
Streisand focuses on medical aid and supports the 24,000 Friends of Ukraine initiative, which encourages donors worldwide to commit to monthly contributions of $24. She personally made the first donation of $24,000 and later matched it with another.
Source: United24
American actor Liev Schreiber, who has Ukrainian ancestry, had travelled across Ukraine in the early 2000s searching for the village where his grandfather was born. This journey inspired him to write the screenplay for Everything Is Illuminated, starring Elijah Wood and Eugene Hütz.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Schreiber became deeply involved in volunteer efforts. He founded the BlueCheck Ukraine initiative, cooked borscht for Ukrainian refugees at a train station in Przemyśl, Poland, visited Lviv, and later joined United24. In autumn 2022, when Russia began targeting critical infrastructure, Schreiber launched a fundraiser to purchase generators for Ukrainian hospitals.
“Ukrainian medics have been working under shelling and bombardments since the first day of the war. Their hands perform miracles daily, saving lives. I know they are brave enough to work by candlelight and flashlights. The least we can do is to provide them with conditions to simply do their job—the most important job,” said Schreiber.
He successfully raised the first $100,000 for generators within hours. When other stars joined the initiative, the final amount reached $3 million.
The Hateful Eight
Source: GettyImages
By launching a full-scale war in Europe, Russia instantly became a pariah state, where one can no longer visit McDonald’s, legally watch the latest film by Walt Disney or Paramount, or attend a concert by an international star. Touring in Russia now is akin to performing in Iran or North Korea. Singers have cancelled their performances, authors have withdrawn publication rights for their books, and film distributors have halted the release of new films.
But can an educated public figure in their right mind genuinely side with the darkest of evils and support Russia’s aggression? Unfortunately, such rare instances do occur. However, if one takes a closer look at those who endorse Putin’s actions, it becomes evident that their motivations often stem from significant financial incentives, personal grievances against the Western world, or, in some cases, psychological issues.
A prime example of the latter is Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Breivik, serving a 21-year prison sentence for the Oslo attacks. As reported by UNIAN, on 19 November, this terrorist appeared in court with the letter "Z" – a symbol of modern Russian fascism – shaved into his head, voicing support for Putin, Iran, China, and North Korea. As the saying goes, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.”
Among the admirers of “great Russian culture” and Putin's terror is Steven Seagal, the star of 90s action films and a personal friend of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Not only did Seagal acquire Russian citizenship, but he was also granted a position in Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, this “hero” visited the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and even attempted to “investigate” a Russian war crime in Olenivka, where Ukrainian POWs were blown up.
Serbian director Emir Kusturica, whose leftist, anti-Western views align with Russian rhetoric, is a frequent guest at Russian film festivals. Similarly, American filmmaker Oliver Stone has repeatedly expressed support for Russia. Stone even directed a documentary about the “poor” exiled Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, allegedly almost assassinated by “Nazi Banderites.”
The list wouldn’t be complete without musician Roger Waters, a former member of the iconic band Pink Floyd, who has also voiced approval for Russia’s actions. French directors Luc Besson and Gaspar Noé have joined this questionable club. Besson, currently facing accusations of rape and relationships with minors, and Noé, who continues to admire Russia and “party” in Moscow during the third year of genocidal war, further tarnish the group.
Then there’s Gérard Depardieu, another eccentric Frenchman who once admired Russia, opened a business there, and obtained citizenship. However, after a short stint in the land of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, Depardieu fled “like hell.” Reflecting on his Russian experience, he describes it as nothing less than a “horrible pigsty.” Despite this, the wine-loving tax evader continues to profess his love for Russian culture.
But enough about these pitiful individuals. Let us return to the true friends of Ukraine.
Music Videos, Tweets, Films, Books, and Acts of Kindness
Source: President.gov.ua
It is heartening when beloved writers from childhood reveal themselves to be people of great character and compassion. Among globally renowned authors supporting Ukraine are J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter; Neil Gaiman, creator of American Gods and The Sandman; dissident writer Salman Rushdie; philosopher and historian Yuval Noah Harari; Nobel laureate and Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk, and countless others. Special mention must be made of the indefatigable King of Horror, Stephen King, who, before leaving Elon Musk's toxic platform X for good, used his sarcastic tweets to expose brainwashed Russians, cheer for Ukrainian victories, and call on the West to strengthen its support for Ukraine:
"Putin thought he was dealing with a lapdog. But what he got was a wolverine. Glory to Ukraine!"
Beyond writers, the war in Ukraine has captured the attention of prominent documentary filmmakers—or even inspired actors, better known for other roles, to step into the role of documentarians. For instance, the documentary Superpower, directed in 2022 by American actor-director Sean Penn and Aaron Kaufman, is now streaming for free on Paramount+’s YouTube channel in the US. British actor and writer Stephen Fry, who revisited Kyiv in 2024, filmed a documentary about Ukraine, released on his Planet Fry YouTube channel. The footage, shot in 2023, includes his interactions with soldiers who lost limbs in the war and a stand-up performance he gave for Ukrainian audiences. At the last Cannes Film Festival, American director Martin Scorsese called for support for Ukraine, while Hollywood star Cate Blanchett unveiled her new documentary Ukraine: Life Under Attack, which portrays the heroism of Ukrainians during the battles in Kharkiv. Created in collaboration with former Channel 4 News editor Benjamin de Pear, the film first aired on Britain’s Channel 4.
Global musicians have also stood up for Ukraine and democratic values. The Ukrainian song Chervona Kalyna, performed by Ukrainian singer Andriy Khlyvnyuk, inspired David Gilmour and members of Pink Floyd to reunite and record a cover of the song. American rock band Imagine Dragons premiered a short film-music video for their song Crushed in 2023, filmed in Ukraine. The video, shot in the war-ravaged village of Novohryhorivka in Mykolaiv Oblast, showcases the devastation caused by Russian aggression—destroyed homes, schools, gardens, and missile craters. Klaus Meine, frontman of the band Scorpions, even rewrote the lyrics of their iconic hit Wind of Change to include references to Ukraine. Renowned singer-songwriter LP unfurled a Ukrainian flag during a concert in Seattle, urging the world to stop the war. In 2022, the band Portishead supported Ukraine by performing at a charity concert for the organisation War Child. Acclaimed German composer Hans Zimmer, known for his scores for Dune, The Lion King, Gladiator, and Interstellar, demonstrates his support for Ukraine at every concert, incorporating blue-and-yellow colours and images of Ukrainian defenders as a reminder of their resilience.
These are just a few examples. In 2023 alone, the Ukrainian flag and words of support echoed from the world’s most prominent stages. Iconic American rock band Guns N’ Roses, during their world tour, began their set with Civil War, a song released in 1990, as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine. Sir Paul McCartney raised the Ukrainian flag during a concert in Boston, while Madonna, whose Celebration world tour launched in London, expressed her support for Ukraine and displayed the Ukrainian flag on stage. British actress Tilda Swinton showed her support at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK.
Following a treacherous missile attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in summer 2024, actresses Jessica Chastain and Jamie Lee Curtis, singer Alyssa Milano, and designer Frank Wilde condemned Russian war crimes and expressed solidarity with Ukraine. Renowned Irish actor Jack Gleeson, who played King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, not only frequently visits Ukraine, reciting Serhiy Zhadan’s poems in a vyshyvanka (embroidered shirt), but also plans to star in a Ukrainian historical film and actively aids the Armed Forces of Ukraine, delivering pickup trucks and raising funds for military needs.
One of the most significant recent events involving international stars visiting Ukraine was the appearance of Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen at a film festival in Chernivtsi and Michael Douglas in Kyiv. The celebrated American actor, producer, two-time Oscar winner, and UN Messenger of Peace visited Kyiv with his son Dylan to attend the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen on 12 September 2024. Douglas emphasised the importance of aiding Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression. Dylan shared his impressions of the trip:
"This week, I had the chance to visit Ukraine. It was the adventure of a lifetime, and the experience filled me with gratitude for living in a free and peaceful country. There’s so much I want to share about what I saw, but it’s too much for words alone," Dylan wrote.
The sincere support and material aid provided by global celebrities to Ukraine cannot be overstated. Their consistent attention to the events unfolding in Ukraine amplifies military and humanitarian assistance from Ukraine’s allies, ultimately paving the way for victory over Russian invaders and the establishment of a just peace in Europe.