“I stand with you. I am your brother”
Hollywood actor Richard Gere addressed Ukrainians ahead of Independence Day, expressing his support for Ukraine and reading a poem by Ukrainian poet Yurii Izdryk.
The actor posted the video message on his Instagram. Yaroslava Gres, co-founder of the Ukraine WOW project, also spoke about the initiative.
“I am speaking to you from New York and sending you my very best wishes. Today, I would like to read a poem by Ukrainian poet Yurii Izdryk. To all the people of Ukraine, every one of you, I send my warmest greetings and express my full and unwavering support,” Gere said.
The actor also congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day, which Ukraine will celebrate on August 24.
“I stand with you. I am your brother,” he added.
For his message, Gere chose a poem by Izdryk translated by Roman Ivashkiv and Erín Moure. At the end of the video, the actor also recited part of the poem in Ukrainian.
Richard Gere has previously publicly expressed solidarity with Ukraine following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The actor has voiced support for Ukrainians in public statements, called on the international community not to stand aside from the war, and participated in initiatives aimed at helping people affected by Russian aggression.
