Jolie Did Not Notify Ukrainian Authorities of Her Visit - Politico 0 9

American actress Angelina Jolie, who arrived in the Ukrainian cities of Mykolaiv and Kherson on Wednesday, October 5, with the charity organization Legacy of War Foundation, did not notify the country's government about her visit in advance. This was reported by the European edition of the American newspaper Politico, citing a high-ranking Ukrainian official.

According to the publication's source, Jolie crossed the border on foot. It is not specified from which country she arrived in Ukraine.

The publication on the charity organization's website states that Jolie met with medical staff, local residents, and volunteers. "The residents of Mykolaiv and Kherson live in danger every day, but they do not give up. At a time when governments around the world turn away from protecting civilians, their strength and mutual support evoke a deep sense of respect. After almost four years of conflict, their fatigue is evident, but so is their determination. Families want safety, peace, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives," the actress's words are quoted in the text.

On November 5, just hours after information about the American actress's arrival in Ukraine began to emerge, Ukrainian media and Telegram channels also started reporting that she visited the TCC (Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support, which replaced the military enlistment office) in the city of Mykolaiv, as a person from her entourage was planned to be mobilized. Publications citing sources provided conflicting information: some reported that the man ended up at the TCC due to issues with military registration documents and was already "preparing" for service, while others stated that after his identity was established, "he calmly left for his affairs."

It soon became known that the individual in question was 33-year-old combat sambo coach Dmitry Pishchikov from the city of Kropyvnytskyi. His brother Yevhen told the Ukrainian public television channel "Suspilne" that the man had not served in the army, had undergone military training at a flight academy, and could now serve only in the rear due to a back condition. According to his girlfriend Yulia, Dmitry had still not made contact by the morning of November 6. Dmitry's coach Vyacheslav clarified in a comment to the channel that the man was detained on the night of November 4.

Representatives of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian army told "Suspilne" that during a check at the TCC, it was revealed that Dmitry is a reserve officer and has no confirmed grounds for deferral from mobilization. According to the conclusion of the military medical commission from June 2025, he is fit for service in the rear. At the TCC in Mykolaiv, Politico also stated that Dmitry was sent for military retraining.

Angelina Jolie Has Previously Visited Ukraine in 2022

Jolie had already visited Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war. In late April 2022, the American actress visited Lviv. In particular, she visited a refugee reception center at the local train station and an orphanage, as well as meeting with children affected by the hostilities. Local residents also managed to film a video of Jolie when she entered a café.

Although the actress has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees since 2001, her visit to Ukraine was reportedly personal.