Jolie, known for her work as a UN Special Envoy for Refugees from 2012 to 2022, donned a bullet-proof vest marked with Ukraine’s emblem and a protective helmet during her visit. Photographs shared online show her interacting with Ukrainian soldiers and visiting hospitals, where she met sick children and new mothers. One image depicts Jolie standing beside a masked soldier, while another captures her in full protective gear outside a hospital.
Reports indicated that Jolie was accompanied by local bodyguards, one of whom was reportedly drafted by the Ukrainian military mid-trip. Ukrainian media claimed Jolie personally intervened at a conscription office to secure the bodyguard’s release, underscoring the unusual circumstances surrounding the visit.
This marks Jolie’s second trip to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. During her first visit, she traveled to Lviv in western Ukraine, meeting displaced citizens and observing humanitarian efforts. Her visits have drawn attention to the ongoing civilian and infrastructural toll of the conflict, particularly in frontline areas such as Kherson.
Experts note that visits by high-profile figures like Jolie can serve dual purposes: providing moral support to locals and drawing international attention to humanitarian crises. “Her presence brings global visibility to the challenges faced by civilians in conflict zones,” said a regional analyst familiar with aid operations.
Jolie’s engagement in Kherson also highlights the risks faced by humanitarian visitors in active conflict zones. While Ukrainian authorities have praised her efforts to support civilians, the unusual incident involving her bodyguard illustrates the complex dynamics at play in frontline areas.
As the conflict continues, Jolie’s visit reinforces international concern for Ukraine’s civilian population and the ongoing efforts to provide relief amid escalating military threats.
