The actor and activist is filming a documentary on the invasion.
Actor and activist Sean Penn, who is on the ground in Ukraine filming a documentary on the invasion, denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for what the American filmmaker called “a most horrible mistake for all of humankind.” In a statement to The Washington Post, Penn on Saturday praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while acknowledging the destruction caused by Putin in the days since Russia launched broad attacks throughout Ukraine. “Already a brutal mistake of lives taken and hearts broken, and if he doesn’t relent, I believe Mr. Putin will have made a most horrible mistake for all of humankind,” Penn said. “President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have risen as historic symbols of courage and principle.” He added, “Ukraine is the tip of the spear for the democratic embrace of dreams. If we allow it to fight alone, our soul as America is lost.” Penn, who previously visited the country last November to prepare for the film, appeared at a Thursday press briefing from the Ukrainian government in Kyiv. The Ukrainian Embassy confirmed in a statement this week that Penn was in the country, and celebrated him and his support. “Sean Penn is demonstrating bravery that many others have been lacking, in particular some Western politicians,” the statement reads. “The more people like that – true friends of Ukraine, who support the fight for freedom – the quicker we can stop this heinous invasion by Russia.
