JAKARTA - Sean Penn spoke about his experience crossing from Ukraine to Poland and how his aid organization, CORE, is currently trying to extend aid to those on both sides of the country's border.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, in an interview with Anderson Cooper, the actor, producer and founder of the nonprofit reiterated what he saw crossing the border into Poland after entering Ukraine to make a documentary about the Russian invasion.
Penn originally posted a photo of himself as he and two other members of the documentary crew walked the miles to the Polish border on February 28.
While talking to Cooper, Penn said that he and his crewmates had the luxury of being able to leave their rental vehicle by the side of the road, but what was surprising was that many women and children gave them a way to cross the border.
He noted some people traveled in groups, others alone, with men dropping off women and children and back. Because men from 18 to 60 years old were not allowed to go and had to help the country to fight wars.
Penn also told of his experiences with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the day before and later on the day of the invasion.
During the meeting, which was confirmed by the Office of the President of Ukraine in a statement posted to Facebook, Penn stated that he was constantly impressed and touched by the leader and feared for the safety of the President and the Ukrainian people.
"I don't know if he knew that he was born for this but obviously I was up against something. And again, I think reflected in so many Ukrainians, who are new to the modern world in terms of courage and dignity, and the love that comes out of men. that and the way he brought the country together," Penn said.
"I think Mr Putin of course added to pave the way there," he continued, quoted by ANTARA.
Talking about Putin's actions and the war itself, the actor-director told Cooper that there was no question in his mind if this war would end soon.
Towards the end of the interview, Penn talked about how CORE is currently working on the Polish border while asking for support and assistance for his organization trying to help refugees.
The group is currently distributing cleaning kits, providing cash and water to people as they cross the border from Ukraine into Poland, but Penn says they want to do more.
"We're working on (how) to get our staff to the other side as well because you really have two types of refugee struggles," he said.
"The first is trying to get out of the country and the other is figuring out what to do in the country because a lot of these people, many of them rich, are leaving their jobs and bank accounts," Penn continued.
Following news that he was in Ukraine to shoot a documentary about the Russian invasion, Penn condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for his decision, which had started the war, and urged US support for Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.
"This is a brutal mistake with a life taken and a heart broken, and if he doesn't relent, I believe Putin will make the most terrible mistake for all of humanity," Penn said.
"President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have risen up as historic symbols of courage and principle. Ukraine is at the forefront of embracing the dream democratically. If we let it fight alone, our souls as Americans will be lost," added Sean Penn.
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