Jolie Brings Spotlight to Ukraine's 'Human Safari Zone'
UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2022. State Department photo by Freddie Everett. Public domain.
Angelina Jolie's recent visit to the embattled city of Kherson in Ukraine brought a rare spotlight to a region under relentless attack, where civilians live under the constant threat of Russian drones. The Hollywood star, known for her humanitarian work, toured the frontline city and the neighboring Mykolaiv region, meeting with medical staff, volunteers, and families who have adapted to life in reinforced basements and safe houses. Her presence offered a moment of reassurance to locals who fear being forgotten amid the ongoing conflict.
Jolie's Return to Ukraine
Jolie's trip, which took place in early November 2025, marked her second visit to Ukraine since Russia's invasion began. This time, she arrived with the U.K.-based Legacy of War Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting civilians caught in the crossfire. Wearing protective gear, Jolie witnessed firsthand the daily dangers faced by residents in Kherson, a city that has been described by human rights groups as a "human safari zone" due to the targeted drone attacks on civilians, as reported by the New York Post.
"The threat of drones was a constant, heavy presence," Jolie shared on Instagram, describing moments when she and her team had to pause and wait while a drone flew overhead, as reported by the New York Post. She contrasted her brief exposure to the danger with the lived reality of the families there, who endure this threat every day.
A City Under Siege
Kherson and Mykolaiv have been under near-daily assault since the summer of 2024, with Russian forces reportedly deploying missiles and explosive drones aimed at civilian areas. According to a recent United Nations report, nearly 150 civilians were killed during the initial summer 2024 assault, with hundreds more injured, as reported by the New York Post. The attacks have continued unabated, with one recent strike killing a 1-year-old boy playing outside and another killing an 84-year-old goat herder.
The Human Toll and Resilience
Jolie's visit was not just a show of solidarity but also a reminder of the psychological toll the conflict takes on civilians. She recounted conversations with locals who spoke of the "psychological burden of living under continual threat" and the "deeper fear of being forgotten by the world," as reported by the New York Post. Her statement following the trip emphasized the resilience of the people: "At a time when governments around the world are turning their backs on the protection of civilians, their strength, and their support for each other is humbling."
Meeting Medical Staff and Volunteers
The actor's presence in Kherson and Mykolaiv also included visits to medical facilities, where she met with healthcare workers and volunteers who continue to provide care despite the dangers. Local officials reportedly shared images of Jolie wearing a bulletproof vest marked with the Legacy of War Foundation's logo, underscoring the risks involved in her visit.
Unexpected Military Draft Incident
However, the visit was not without controversy. Reports emerged that Jolie's local driver was detained by Ukrainian military recruiters during the trip. According to a senior Ukrainian official cited by Politico, Jolie had reportedly not informed the government of her visit and allegedly entered Ukraine on foot, as reported by The Independent. The driver, reportedly a military reservist, was ordered to appear for military retraining or mark attendance at a later date. The Ukrainian army initially confirmed the driver's drafting but later deleted the statement and declined to confirm or deny details, stating that an investigation was underway and all circumstances were being clarified.
This incident highlighted the complexities and risks of traveling in a war zone, even for high-profile visitors. Jolie's previous visit in April 2022 had been more coordinated, with her touring a children's hospital in Lviv and meeting evacuees displaced by the conflict.
The Stark Contrast of Attention
While Jolie's visit drew significant international attention, it also underscored the stark contrast between the global spotlight on a celebrity's humanitarian mission and the ongoing, low-profile violence that continues to claim lives in Kherson. According to Ukrainian officials, the vast majority of Russian drones targeting the Kherson region in the past week were successfully intercepted, underscoring the intensity of the conflict and the ongoing threat to civilians.
A Moment of Recognition and Support
For the people of Kherson and Mykolaiv, Jolie's visit was a rare moment of recognition and support. It served as a reminder that despite the relentless attacks and the psychological strain, the world has not entirely turned away. The resilience of these communities, bolstered by international attention and aid, remains a critical factor in their survival.
As Jolie herself noted, the strength of the people living under siege is "humbling," as reported by the New York Post. Her visit brought a human face to the headlines and statistics, showing the courage of those who refuse to give in despite the dangers that hover like drones in the skies above.
Whether this renewed attention will translate into sustained support remains to be seen. For now, Jolie's journey to the frontline city of Kherson stands as a vivid testament to the ongoing human cost of the war and the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.
References: Angelina Jolie visits Ukraine region dubbed a 'human safari zone' | Angelina Jolie Visits Ukraine for the Second Time Since the Start of the War | Angelina Jolie's Ukraine visit sparks row as military recruiters seize her driver | Over 2,000 Russian drones attack Kherson region in past week
