Sean Penn, the American actor, chose to skip the Oscars ceremony on Sunday, where he won the award for Best Supporting Actor, to travel to Kyiv and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This visit underscores Penn's ongoing support for Ukraine, especially in light of the challenges the country has faced due to Russia's invasion since 2022. Having visited Ukraine multiple times during the war, Penn has shown a consistent commitment to raise awareness and support for the Ukrainian people and their struggle.

A Ukrainian official informed AFP that while Penn's visit is personal, it carries significant weight, as he aims to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine during these tumultuous times. The actor was spotted arriving in central Kyiv, further emphasizing his engagement with the country and its leaders. During his visit, Penn met with Zelensky, building on their prior collaboration when he produced a documentary about the president, which premiered at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival.

Zelensky took to social media to express his gratitude towards Penn, highlighting the actor's unwavering support since the onset of the full-scale war. This visit not only reinforces the personal relationship between Penn and Zelensky but also showcases the vital role that international figures can play in supporting countries facing crises, as well as the importance of cultural diplomacy in times of war.