Ben Stiller meets ‘hero’ President Zelensky in war-torn Ukraine after a visit to refugees

Hollywood actor Ben Stiller met his ‘hero’ President Vlodymyr Zelensky during his trip to Ukraine after visiting refugees from the war-torn country in Poland.

Ben Stiller called Vlodymyr Zelensky his ‘hero’ during his meeting with Ukraine’s president in the war-torn country on Monday.

The Hollywood star – who is also a United Nations Refugee Agency Goodwill Ambassador – visited refugees in Rzeszow, Poland before walking through the bombed-out ruins in Irpin, Ukraine.

The 56-year-old then accompanied the president to Lviv, where they discussed the importance of the world keeping in mind the ongoing conflict with Russia – 117 days after it began.

“Sir, nice to meet you. Thank you for your time. It’s really a great honor for me. You are my hero,” the actor exclaimed as the two shook hands.

After complementing Zelensky’s performance, the president laughed before declaring, “Not as good as yours!”

Stiller continued: “What you’ve done in bringing together your country and the world is really inspiring.”

Taking to Instagram to discuss his trip, the Night At The Museum star said in a video: “Hey, I’m Ben Stiller, and I’m here in Ukraine. I’m meeting with people affected by the war and hearing how it changed their lives.

“War and violence are ravaging people all over the world. No one chooses to flee their homes. Finding safety is a right and it should be celebrated for everyone.”

Within 12 hours of sharing the post, more than three thousand users responded to the star, with one Ukrainian citizen commenting: “Thank you all for supporting Ukraine. With your help, we become braver! Always thank you”.

Another added: “Thank you so much for supporting Ukraine! Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Ben! Stop the genocide! Save Ukraine! Don’t stop supporting Ukraine! The war is not over yet! finish!”

A third replied: “Thank you very much for the participation and support of the Ukrainian people. We really appreciate that.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Refugee Agency shared another image of Stiller’s trip on the social media platform.

On Saturday, he was photographed talking to aid workers in a warehouse in the Polish city of Rzeszow, close to the Ukrainian border.

Stiller said: “I am here to learn, to share stories that illustrate the human impact of war, and to amplify calls for solidarity.

“I hope you will follow and share your own message of support, for those displaced in Ukraine and forced to flee around the world. Everyone has the right to seek. safety. Anywhere, anytime.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the star was seen hugging refugee children who had fled to Poland.

Speaking on Instagram, he said: “Near the Medyka border in Poland, I had the opportunity to meet a number of families who fled the war in Ukraine, leaving loved ones behind without knowing when they would have them. can return home – or have a home to return to. come.”

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