Angelina Jolie’s Visit to Ukraine’s Frontline Regions
US actress Angelina Jolie recently made a visit to Kherson and Mykolaiv, two of the most dangerous regions in Ukraine. During her trip, she met with medical staff, families, and volunteers, witnessing firsthand the resilience of the people living in these areas.
According to the Legacy of War Foundation, Jolie was shown how medical and educational institutions in Ukraine’s frontline regions have been relocated into reinforced underground spaces to continue their operations. This relocation has allowed critical services to remain functional despite the ongoing conflict.
The Kherson region is partially occupied by Russian forces on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Kherson city, located on the opposite bank, is constantly targeted by Russian forces due to its proximity to the occupied area. This has placed significant limitations on Ukrainian air defences, making the city a prime target for attacks.
Jolie expressed her admiration for the people of Mykolaiv and Kherson, stating, “The people of Mykolaiv and Kherson live with danger every day, but they refuse to give in. At a time when governments around the world are turning their backs on the protection of civilians, their strength, and their support for each other is humbling.”
Russian drone attacks on Kherson city have become so frequent that residents describe Moscow’s strategy of constant attacks on civilians as “human safari.” To protect the people and civilian infrastructure, major roads leading into the center of Kherson are covered in improvised nets.
According to the Legacy of War Foundation, Jolie was shown this anti-drone protection technique, which turns roads into a kind of protected tunnel. The foundation highlighted the importance of such measures in safeguarding civilians from the ongoing threat.
“After nearly three years of conflict, exhaustion is visible, yet so too is determination. Families want safety, peace, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Diplomacy and the protection of civilians should not be allowed to fall away in a brutal contest of weapons and technology.”
On 29 October, a Russian artillery strike hit a children’s hospital in Kherson, injuring nine people, including four children. This tragic event underscores the devastating impact of the war on innocent lives.
Domestic media outlets also reported that during Jolie’s visit, a Ukrainian member of her security detail was detained by military enlistment officers. The man in question is reportedly a reserve officer who lacked a valid medical commission certificate and was redirected to another location to settle the issue.
Local media outlets confirmed with the regional military recruitment office in Mykolaiv that Jolie visited the premises. Her presence in the region highlights the continued international attention on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Jolie previously visited Ukraine in the spring of 2022, just two months into Russia’s full-scale invasion. Her return to the country demonstrates her ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and raising awareness about the challenges they face.