Sean Penn is in Ukraine making a documentary about Russia’s invasion
Penn was seen at a press briefing held by the Ukrainian government
Sean Penn is on the ground in Ukraine filming a documentary about Russia’s invasion.
The actor and activist, who has previously fronted documentaries including Citizen Penn, about community relief efforts, was seen at a press briefing held by the Ukrainian government in Kyiv yesterday Thursday (February 24). Vice Studios confirmed the news to Variety.
Penn visited Ukraine last November to prepare for the film documentary by talking to the country’s military. The Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation Press Service posted photos from the visit.
According to a statement released by the Office of the President of the Ukraine on Facebook, Penn has now spoken with deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
“The director specifically 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 read. “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 added: “Sean Penn is demonstrating bravery that many others have been lacking, in particular some Western politicians. The more people like that – the true friends of Ukraine, who support the fight for freedom – the quicker we can stop this heinous invasion by Russia.”
Penn has also spoken to local journalists and military personnel.
More than a decade ago Penn established non-profit organisation Community Organised Relief Effort (CORE) after the 2010 Haiti earthquakes. His efforts were documented in Discovery Plus’ 2020 film Citizen Penn.
In the same year of the documentary’s release CORE administered free COVID-19 tests in the US.
The news follows Penn claiming last month that men have become “feminised”. The actor was asked about his views on masculinity in an interview after saying in a prior chat that he “believes that men in American culture have become wildly feminised”.
He said: “I think that men have, in my view, become quite feminised. I have these very strong women in my life who do not take masculinity as a sign of oppression toward them.
“There are a lot of, I think, cowardly genes that lead to people surrendering their jeans and putting on a skirt.”
Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus has voiced her support for the people of Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of the country yesterday (February 24).