From November 5 to 7, Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie returned to Ukraine—her second visit since the start of the full-scale war. She met with Ukrainian families in Mykolaiv and Kherson. After returning, Jolie wrote on Instagram that she is inspired by Ukrainians who, despite the war and immense emotional strain, still hold on to life. She called on the authorities in Russia and Ukraine to end the war and protect civilians. Below is a translation of her statement.
“I visited Mykolaiv and Kherson in Ukraine this week to meet families living on the frontline. The threat of drones was a constant, heavy presence. You hear a low hum in the sky. It’s become known locally as a ‘human safari’, with drones used to track, hunt and terrorize people, constantly. There was a moment when we had to pause and wait while a drone flew overhead. I was in protective gear, and for me, it was just a couple of days. The families here live with this every single day.
They’ve moved their schools, clinics and daycare into reinforced basements, determined that life will go on. It was hard but inspiring to witness. Many people spoke to me about the psychological burden of living under continual threat — and the deeper fear of being forgotten by the world.
It is difficult to understand how, in a world with such a strong capacity for diplomacy, civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Yemen, the DRC and so many other places suffer daily - as if there is nothing that those in power can do to end those conflicts and to protect all civilians, equally.
What gives me hope is the incredible courage and skill of local organizations and volunteers and those who support them, like «Марш жінок», Gen.Ukrainian, Fight For Right.
If they can find the strength, governments ought to able to do the same.”