In a rare and courageous move, Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie visited the frontline city of Kherson in Ukraine, a no-go zone that’s fraught with danger because of the ongoing conflict with Russian forces. On November 5, Jolie entered Kherson, a city few war correspondents visit even, to witness firsthand the dire humanitarian situation and show solidarity with the local population that remains under continuous attacks and threats from Russian forces.
During her visit, Jolie wore a flak jacket as she toured underground medical and educational facilities, speaking with children and their families who use the facilities for shelter from regular shelling and drone attacks. The city, which once had almost 300,000 residents, remains highly impacted by the war, with Ukrainian forces regularly shooting down Russian drones targeting civilians. Jolie expressed her tremendous respect for the people of Kherson, who refuse to give up in the face of constant risk.
Traveling with the UK-based Legacy of War Foundation, Jolie has also brought into focus the psychological impact on the civilians caught in the conflicts, saying there is an immediate need for international humanitarian assistance and government action to save the conflict zones. She pointed out the conflict in not just Ukraine but also Sudan, Gaza, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The visit also had an element of drama, with some reports emerging of a very brief detention of a Jolie entourage member by Ukrainian military recruiters over visa and medical commission issues, but the matter was swiftly resolved.
Angelina Jolie’s daring trip has once again brought world attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, reminding people of the need for continuous global support for the civilians affected by war in Kherson and beyond.
