Stephen King, Vera Farmiga and others: 6 world celebrities who openly expressed their support for Ukraine during the war. Photo.

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has become impossible to be apolitical. Ukrainians are fighting not only for their own lives, independence and integrity of their country, but also for the democratic values of the entire civilised world. Many global celebrities understand this, and they also understand how important their support and clear position is. That is why eminent actors, musicians, directors, writers and other public figures have decided to speak openly about Russia's aggression and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Over the past year and three months, Ukrainians have discovered a new side of many world stars: some have disappointed with their indifference, while others have truly impressed with their powerful support. Today, OBOZREVATEL offers to recall only a small part of those who openly declared their support for Ukraine during the war. It should be noted that the list does not include those celebrities who visited our country after February 24. We are talking about those who have shown their solidarity on social media through posts, charity fundraisers, etc.

Stephen King

Since the first days of the full-scale war, Stephen King has repeatedly expressed his support for Ukraine. He ridiculed the Kremlin's attempts to frighten Ukrainians with an armed offensive and refused to cooperate with Russian media. The legendary writer actively monitors the situation in our country and the success of Ukrainian soldiers at the front. Thus, in September last year, the "King of Horror" commented with admiration on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counter-offensive. He noted the success of our defenders and said: "Glory to Ukraine!"

Recently, King also addressed Russia on behalf of the entire world. He literally ordered the aggressor country to "get out of Ukraine". Later, King dedicated a post to the citizens of the terrorist country, calling the bloody war "senseless". He emphasised: "It's high time Putin stepped down so the whole world could breathe a sigh of relief.

And in April this year, the writer reacted to the missile attack on a residential high-rise in Uman. The "King of Horrors" called Russia's actions in Ukraine not a war, but real terrorism.

Vera Farmiga

Popular Hollywood actress Vera Farmiga is the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants. She was raised in the Ukrainian-American community in Ervington, New Jersey. Although the star grew up far from Ukraine, she knows her native language perfectly, understands Ukrainian culture and sincerely loves it, which she has proven many times over the past year and three months.

Thus, on the day of the invasion, February 24, 2022, the American horror star posted a picture of nature in blue and yellow shades online, and below it she posted our national anthem and the popular hashtag #StandWithUkraine. Later, Farmiga recited Vasyl Symonenko's poem "People are Beautiful" in Ukrainian. She noted that she was extremely proud of the unity and courage of the Ukrainian people.

And at one of her concerts in New York, the actress turned on the air raid alarm sound that Ukrainians hear every day because of enemy shelling. In this way, the star wanted to draw the attention of her American fans to the war in Ukraine.

Mark Hamill

The actor who played the role of Luke Skywalker in the iconic Star Wars films Last October, Mark Hamill became an ambassador of the United24 fundraising platform and since then has been regularly helping the Ukrainian military and all victims of Russian aggression. He posted a landmark tweet to coincide with the fact that he was helping to raise money to buy drones for the Ukrainian army. Only three weeks after the launch of the campaign, the actor managed to raise funds for 500 drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A few days ago, Hamill called the soldiers he helped via video. He thanked them for their tireless struggle and assured them that the world would support Ukraine as long as it takes.

Recently, Hamill showed up in a Ukrainian embroidered shirt. The beautiful shirt, presented to the star on Vyshyvanka Day, features not only classic geometric patterns but also embroidered Jedi swords, which "will remind you that the force is always with the wearer of this embroidered shirt".

Benedict Cumberbatch

The Sherlock and Doctor Strange star has also repeatedly demonstrated his solidarity with the Ukrainian people. In particular, he took part in a British government scheme that provides housing in the UK for refugees from Ukraine. The actor stressed that he is ready to share his home with Ukrainians and called on the British to join this initiative.

In addition, Cumberbatch took part in a charity event that raised UAH 4 million to buy ambulances for Ukrainian medics. The actor has also appeared with the Ukrainian flag at prestigious international venues - in March, for example, he unfurled the blue and yellow flag at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Barbra Streisand

American actress and singer Barbra Streisand has Ukrainian roots. The star reminded her fans of this on the day of the full-scale invasion, February 24, 2022, when she posted the following text on social media: "My paternal grandparents emigrated from Ukraine, and my heart breaks for the courageous people who are fighting this Russian invasion. Putin's 'denazification' propaganda is the biggest lie of this century."

The winner of two Oscars, as well as Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe awards, became an ambassador of the UNITED24 fundraising platform. She chose the Medical Aid area.

On May 24, 2023, Streisand showed off her new embroidered shirt. The celebrity noted that her family is from the Ternopil region, so the ornament on her shirt is typical of this region.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston, the star of the cult film Friends and hundreds of other mega-successful films and TV series, has not forgotten about Ukraine either. She first spoke to her fans about the war on March 8, 2022, when she expressed her admiration for Ukrainian women.

"Thinking about the women and girls in Ukraine and around the world who are heroically fighting for their country and people today - as soldiers, as mothers, as organisers, as refugee mentors, as protesters, as journalists... To these women who risk their lives in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, you are incredible, and the whole world stands behind you," the actress wrote at the time.

Later, Aniston said that at the time of the invasion she was in Europe - in France, where she was filming a comedy film. The actress was really scared of how close the fighting was unfolding. She also felt "absolutely useless" because she was unable to help Ukrainians.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote that the famous Hollywood actor Ben Stiller came to Ukraine during the full-scale war. He visited the village of Makariv and Irpin: he visited the destroyed residential areas of the city and talked to people who had survived the occupation. Later, Stiller appeared on Khreshchatyk in Kyiv, where he took pictures with passers-by.

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