Hayden Panettiereis using her voice to speak out in support of those very dear to her.
“There are no words to describe what it’s been like to watch the war on Ukraine unfold,” she began. “It’s gut-wrenching knowing that the people of Ukraine and people I call my friends and family are desperately trying to defend their way of life and the country that they love.”
Panettiere continued, “I created Hoplon International to bring relief and aid directly to Ukrainians on the front lines. I can’t continue to sit on the sidelines just watching as this disaster rages on.”
Hoplon International/YouTube
Panettiere shares her 7-year-old daughter,Kaya, with her ex, former professional boxerWladimir Klitschko. Not only does her ex hail from Ukraine but the retired athlete’s brother, Vitali Klitschko, is the mayor of the country’s capital, Kyiv.
In a video message of his own, which was also shared on the organization’s YouTube page, Wladimir said, “Hi, I’m Wladimir Klitschko from Kyiv, Ukraine. Please support Hoplon International Foundation to stop Russian aggression and end war in Ukraine. Thank you.”
Recently, Panettiere confirmed that daughter Kaya was “safe and not in Ukraine” amid the ongoing war. The mother of one’s statement was made in response to a fan expressing their concern on anInstagram post, in which the actress showed her support to Ukrainian people.
“I have personally witnessed the strength of the Ukrainian people who fought so hard for their independence and have continued to passionately defend their country over the years. What [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is doing is an absolute disgrace,” Panettiere wrote at the time.
“This horrific moment in history sends a terrifying message: the message that in this day and age, in year 2022, it’s okay to violate the rights of free people and allow autocrats like Putin to take whatever they please,” she continued. “I’m praying for my family and friends there and everyone who’s fighting. I wish you had more support and I wish I was there fighting with you! For now, I ask for those of us who can’t be there to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and show your support for #democracy.”
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Panettiere urged her fans to follow her ex, Wladimir, and his brother, Vitali, on Instagram for relevant updates.
Russia’sattack on Ukrainecontinues after their forces launched a large-scale invasion on Feb. 24 — the first major land conflict in Europe in decades.
Putin has insisted that Ukraine has historic ties to Russia and he is acting in the best security interests of his country. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy vowed not to bend. “Nobody is going to break us, we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians,“he told the European Unionin a speech in the early days of the fighting, adding, “Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.”
source: people.com
