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Sean Penn at a press conference at the Presidential Office in Kiev
Photo: UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / REUTERS
The US actor and director Sean Penn (61, »Mystic River«, »Milk«) is working on a documentary about the Ukraine war in Kiev.
Ukraine's presidential office said on Facebook that Penn wanted to record events in Ukraine to "show the world the truth about Russia's invasion."
A photo was also distributed showing the Hollywood star during a press conference.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a video on Instagram of himself chatting with Penn.
"Sean Penn shows the courage that many other politicians, including Western politicians, lack," praised the Ukrainian government.
According to the Facebook message, Penn traveled to Ukraine last November to talk to Ukrainian soldiers, among other things.
According to US broadcaster NBC News, the documentary is planned for Vice Studios.
The 61-year-old Penn, who won two Oscars – for “Harvey Milk” and “Mystic River” – has repeatedly sparked controversy in the past: in 2015, for example, he met for an interview with Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán while he was on the run.
A year later, Guzmán was arrested.
Russia invaded the neighboring country from several sides on Thursday.
Within a few hours, the Russian armed forces advanced to the greater Kiev area.
According to the President of Ukraine, at least 137 people died on the Ukrainian side on the first day of fighting.
Selenskyj had complained about a lack of international support.
'Who is willing to fight with us?
I don't see anyone,' he said.
"Everyone is afraid."
ime/dpa/AFP
