The full-scale invasion forced many Ukrainians to change their usual way of life. Some took up volunteering, and others took up arms. Those who yesterday only played soldiers on the stage or in movies today choose to fight for the independence of Ukraine. This article is about Ukrainian male actors who came to the country’s defense after the start of a full-scale Russian invasion.
Ukrainian actors: Oleksandr Pecheritsa
The actor, who starred in the Bitter Harvest film and Serf, The Century of Jacob, and Saga series, has been defending Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces since the first days of the full-scale invasion. Since the end of February, the actor has been near the capital, since May 2022, in Kharkiv Oblast. Oleksandr sometimes returns from the frontline to play in his native Ivan Franko National Drama Theater.
Ukrainian actors on the frontline: Akhtem Seitablaev
The actor and director of the Cyborgs movie has been fighting as part of the 206th battalion of Kyiv territorial defense since the first days of the full-scale invasion. He does not stop filming even during the war. Akhtem, with several mobile teams, captures war crimes and footage for a future film about contemporary events.
Male Ukrainian actor who joined Defence Forces: Oleksii Trytenko
Oleksii Trytenko, who starred in the film Mirny-21, joined the Territorial Defence Forces’ ranks with Akhtem Seitablayev. In the spring, the Ukrainian actor was one of the first to show photos of the liberated cities of Kyiv Oblast Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, and Borodianka. Oleksii took part in the liberation of Kyiv Oblast.
Ukrainian actors who joined Armed Forces: Garik Bircha
Garik Bircha, the actor in the Vitalka series and several Ukrainian humorous projects, has been serving in the ranks of the Armed Forces since the first days of the full-scale invasion. Moreover, he writes poems, one of which the actor published on his Instagram page, sharing his thoughts about the war and the future of Ukraine.
Ukrainian actors: Andrii Fedinchyk
The Ukrainian actor starred in the Kruty 1918 and Black Raven films. In the first days of the full-scale invasion, he joined the ground defense of Zhytomyr Oblast. In March 2021, he received the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine, but the award presentation took place more than a year later when Andrii Fedinchyk was already at the front. The wife of a military man received the award.
Ukrainian male actors: Volodymyr Rashchuk
The Ukrainian theater and film actor volunteered to join the defense forces at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Later, he joined the National Guard and became a company commander. In the spring and summer, he participated in the battles for Severodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast, receiving three contusions.
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Actors who defend the country: Serhii Filimonov
The actor starred in the Rhino film directed by Oleh Sentsov. In 2014, from the first days of the Russian war against Ukraine, Serhii took part in military operations as part of the Azov volunteer battalion. Moreover, in civilian life, Filimonov is an organizer and participant in activist initiatives. In 2014 he took part in the Revolution of Dignity. He returned to the frontline in the first days of a full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian male actors: Andrii Lutsenko
The Honored Artist of Ukraine fought in the Anti-Terrorist Operation Zone from 2014 to 2017. After demobilization, Andrii Lutsenko and his wife moved to Mariupol. They began performing in the local theater, but in 2022, their apartment, as well as the theater, were destroyed by Russian missiles. The actor has been serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces border troops since the first days of the full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian male actors defending Ukraine: Ruslan Pakhomi
The Ukrainian actor of the Serf series joined the ranks of the Izmail border detachment after the start of the full-scale invasion. At first, Ruslan was enrolled in the village self-defense. Later he applied to the district recruitment center, realizing that he would be little help to the state by staying in the village.
Actors in Ukraine: Pavlo Aldoshin
The actor in the Sniper. White Raven film changed from the set costume to an actual military uniform at the start of the full-scale invasion. Pavlo Aldoshin shared that the skills he acquired while preparing for the film, behavior in battle, providing first aid, rules for handling weapons, etc. saved his life at the frontline.
Ukrainian actors who volunteered for military service: Viktor Storozhenko
On Feb. 25, 2022, Victor planned to debut as a director with the play Cosmetics of the Enemy, based on the book by Amelie Nothomb. A full-scale invasion changed his plans. The actor was rejected from the Military Commissariat because of a medical condition but joined the Freedom volunteer battalion.
The actor, who serves in the ranks of the Freedom volunteer legion, participated in the street battles in Severodonetsk. He was wounded during the artillery battle in Zaitsevo, Donetsk Oblast.
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