Open letter from the head of the administration of the President of Ukraine to the stars: “Your support for my country was fundamental”

When you talk about Ukraine, the world listens.

You are celebrities. When you speak out against tyranny for freedom, your voices resound like no one else. When you show the public the terror in Ukraine, you have to mobilize the world against it. As Ukrainians, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Your support for my country has been and will continue to be essential for the public to see the atrocities committed daily by Russians against Ukrainian citizens, including children. You’ve seen Bucha, you’ve seen Mariupol, now you see Europe’s 21st century massacre. This massacre turned Ukraine’s glorious and historic cities into a heap of ruins and its churches into mass graves. People see these images and feel the pain that Ukrainians feel. But as the war progresses, the media starts to pay less attention, and networks are slow to cover Ukraine, the global audience will lose access to the harsh realities of the war. For many, life will go on around the world.

But let’s keep fighting. Brave Ukrainians risk their lives every day to save their fellow citizens, their country and their choice for freedom against Putin’s brutal targets will aim to fulfill their 20th century fantasies, wiping the entire nation and its citizens off the map. and of the future. . But the Ukrainian spirit cannot be quenched not only for Ukrainians, but for the whole world. Your support for Ukraine will ensure that.

That’s why we ask you world famous people to continue what you are doing. Especially when time passes. Please continue to pay attention to Ukraine so that American society and others around the world do not lose touch with the war that is taking place on the distant continent. While they may not have seen the massacre, they knew of the terror and destruction the Russians were wreaking in Ukraine day by day.

It is not just for the distant community that we make this request. This is also for Ukrainians. Your support and recognition of our pain fills us with pride and gives us momentum to keep fighting. Putin believes that the United States and the West will soon lose interest in Ukraine. He bets on it. But with your understanding and support, we can be sure that you will lose this bet.

International celebrities have empowered and involved all sectors of Ukrainian society to help our country. With a variety of channels and initiatives, you play a key role. And not just influence public opinion. Celebrities influence US policy towards Ukraine, making it stronger and more assertive. Through social media posts, television appearances or working with charities, government agencies, international organizations, businesses or non-governmental organizations, he has helped integrate these sectors and become a force multiplier in raising awareness and support for Ukraine. .

The collective influence of famous people shapes Ukraine’s narrative. You are helping the United States and Europe to deliver weapons and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which will save lives and bring Ukraine closer to victory every day.

When Russia started the war, Sean Penn was in Ukraine to make a documentary about Ukraine. Just the day before the Russian invasion, I was sitting in the president’s office opposite President Zelensky, going through all the formalities of the president’s visit. One day the world changed and with it Sean Penn’s mission in my country. We will never forget how he wanted to take up arms against Russia and fight our Ukrainian soldiers, or how he threatened to sniff out the Oscars if President Zelensky wasn’t invited to the Oscars. Sean Penn’s allegiance to Ukraine still inspires a nation at war, as do all celebrities who support Ukraine.

Arnold Schwarzenegger took to Twitter and spoke directly to the Russian people after the Russian invasion. He begged them to see the truth about Putin’s brutal and unprovoked war. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were also the first to respond to our pain, mobilizing millions to support refugees. John Legend caught the attention of the American people when he dedicated his music to Ukraine at the Grammy Awards, as well as to all who spoke at the Global Citizen event hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Commission President Ursula. von Derry. Layen, including U2, Madonna, Alan Morissette, Billy Elish, Billy Joel, Chris Rock, Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman, Green Day, Demi Lovato, Elton John, Gart Brooks, Trisha Yarwood, Gloria Steinem, Jonas Brothers, Katie Perry and more more more.

Designers like Demna Gvasalia informed the fashion world about our fight for freedom. Bono and The Edge, his band U2, held a rally on May 8 at Kiev’s metro station for those who had been holed up underground for more than two months and didn’t see the end. People will remember these performances and what they protect: you.

He is also deeply involved in supporting humanitarian organizations in Ukraine. Liv Schreiber and Angelina Jolie visited Ukraine and dedicated their time, personal energy and star power to focus on the work these organizations are doing to save lives in Ukraine and for refugee communities across Europe. Benedict Cumberbatch hosts a refugee family. Very soon, Elon’s brother Kimball Musk will also visit Ukraine to share with his own eyes the plight of all Ukrainians.

You showed Ukraine to the world. He has helped to lead political debate in the United States, Europe and in international organizations such as the United Nations. We will always be grateful for your action in many unique and heartfelt ways. As Ukrainians fight for their country and their compatriots, we also fight for all those who want the freedom to live in a democratic world. ც You know that. You share it with the world when it is so needed.

Thanks.

Andrei Ermak is the head of the Cabinet of the President of Ukraine