Kyiv: More than 30 stars including Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand and Matt Damon on Friday sent their "love" and prayers to Ukraine in a video marking the anniversary of Russia's invasion.
One of the most recognisable names in the world declared their support for Ukraine in the video produced to mark the anniversary of the biggest conflict to engulf Europe since World War II.
Oscar winner Roberts said, "We are thinking of you, sending love, sending our strength, our prayers, and holding you in our hearts, always." A message of "love, respect, and solidarity with all our brothers and sisters in the Ukraine," according to Damon, was being sent. Actor Liev Schreiber said in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine:
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Singer and actress Barbra Streisand said Ukraine would be supported for "as long as necessary." "You have been an inspiration worldwide," she said.
"You are fighting for all of us," Ethan Hawke continued. Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill recited the famous Star Wars line, "And the force will be with you, always."
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Actor Morgan Freeman, astronaut Scot Kelly, director Wes Anderson, and British pop duo the Pet Shop Boys all contributed messages to the video. The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, claimed in a Facebook post that international celebrities were on Ukraine's side.
I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. They hold a special place in our hearts, he wrote. Putin shocked the world one year ago today by sending troops across the border, an action that was perceived as retaliation for Kyiv's turn towards the West.
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A large portion of Ukraine has been destroyed, millions have been displaced, Russia has become despised in the West, and there have reportedly been more than 150,000 deaths on both sides of the conflict, according to Western sources.