Sean Penn in Ukraine to make a documentary on the Russian invasion

The American actor and director Sean Penn is in Kiev where he is shooting a documentary on the invasion launched by Russia, announced Thursday the Ukrainian presidency.

 

Sean Penn was photographed among the participants of a government press conference in Kiev and can be seen meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video posted on the Ukrainian leader's Instagram account. The filmmaker came to Kiev especially to record all the events taking place in Ukraine and as a documentary filmmaker to tell the world the truth about Russia's invasion of our country, says a message written in Ukrainian on the presidential services' Facebook page. Today, Sean Penn is among those who support Ukraine by being in Ukraine. Our country is grateful to him for such a manifestation of courage and honesty, the message added. The services of Mr. Zelensky added that the American artist shows a courage that is lacking in many others, especially Western politicians. Sean Penn had already visited Ukraine last November and met with the military.

 

The 61-year-old actor, who won two Oscars for Harvey Milk and Mystic River, is shooting a documentary for Vice Studios, according to NBC News. Solicited by AFP, neither Vice nor Sean Penn's representatives had reacted Thursday afternoon. His visit to Kiev coincides with the triggering by the Russian army of a large-scale military operation in Ukrainian territory, with shells and missiles fired near many cities in the country, with fighting at the gates of the capital. Sean Penn has in the past caused controversy with his political commitments or in current affairs, particularly after his interview with the Mexican drug lord, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, while he was on the run.