Last week, Russia’s invasion and full-scale military air missile attack on Ukraine began. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the country the following morning, revealing that 137 lives were lost and hundreds more injured. More than 50,000 civilians have fled, while others seek safety and shelter.
Among those who attempted to flee the country is Mystic River actor, Sean Penn , who walked miles on foot to seek refuge at the Polish border.
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More than 50,000 civilians have fled Ukraine, while countless others search for safety and shelter after Russia launched a military attack last Thursday.
Last Friday morning, explosions hit Kyiv, and Russian forces took the city of Sumy in north-eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently called for NATO’s defense, tougher sanctions against Russia, and forbade all men between the ages of 18-60 from leaving the country.
Among those attempting to flee the country is “Mystic River” actor, Sean Penn, who has been on the ground in Ukraine filming a documentary about the invasion.
“Penn has visited the Office of the President and spoken with deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk, as well as local journalists and members of the Ukrainian military” sources revealed.
“The director specially came to Kyiv to record all the events that are currently happening in Ukraine and to tell the world the truth about Russia’s invasion of our country,” the translated statement reads.
“Sean Penn is among those who support Ukraine in Ukraine today. Our country is grateful to him for such a show of courage and honesty.”
The statement then points out that Penn’s efforts during this tragedy have shown more courage than that of some western politicians.
“Sean Penn is demonstrating bravery that many others have been lacking, in particular some Western politicians.”
“The more people like that — true friends of Ukraine, who support the fight for freedom — the quicker we can stop this heinous invasion by Russia,” the statement added.
As circumstances begin to escalate between Russia and Ukraine, however, Penn has decided to leave the country and head to the nearest point of safety, Poland, and notify his fans via Twitter.
Penn’s update comes shortly after “Dancing With The Stars” alum, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, revealed that he had been arrested by Russian military personnel before fleeing the country by train.
“I made it on the train. We’re heading to Warsaw (hopefully). Train to Lviv was not an option,” he wrote via Instagram . “The situation at the train station is insane. At first, it feels manageable, but it gets a lot worse when it comes time to actually board the train .”
“Walkways are packed. People everywhere. It’s sweaty and claustrophobic,” he continued, before sharing a subsequent update with his fans letting them know that he was safe.
“I’m in a very safe place but this is nuts, and I think everybody is going through a lot of emotions and I think it’s time I expose mine in a more personal manner,” he said.
Penn is giving his followers a similar update. The 61-year-old took to social media to reveal that he had to abandon his vehicle and make his way on foot to the Polish border.
His statement was paired with a photo of himself and his luggage walking down the side of a road.
“Myself and two colleagues walked miles to the Polish border after abandoning our car on the side of the road,” he penned.
He also explained that the traffic seen in the photo was almost entire women and children, and without any sign of luggage or personal possessions.
“Almost all the cars in this photo carry women and children only, most without any sign of luggage.”
“And a car their only possession of value,” he tweeted.
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