Main points
- Sean Penn recorded a video address to the servicemen of the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade, in which he named the names and call signs of the heroes who are holding the front.
- Penn visited Ukraine in March 2026, missing the Oscar ceremony.
Sean Penn / Photo by The Washington Post
About a month ago, servicemen of the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade reached out to actor Sean Penn. In response, the celebrity recorded a video message to them, honoring the defenders and sharing his thoughts.
The 157th Brigade told Sean Penn about soldiers who have been in positions for months without rotation. The soldiers wanted their names to be heard by the whole world. The actor's video message was published on the brigade's TikTok page.
In the video, Sean Penn named the names and call signs of the heroes who hold the front for months without rest.
- “Yats” – 141 days on the front line,
- “Jury” – 127 days,
- “Pecha” – 133 days,
- “Predatory” – 65 days,
- “Kum” – 62 days.
“Holding the position for so long means facing fatigue, cold, danger and uncertainty every day. Their courage is an example for the entire country. And I would add, for the world,” said Sean Penn.
The actor admitted that he now feels a certain shame about having American citizenship. In his opinion, the US has not made enough efforts to support Ukraine.
It is with some shame that I say that I am an American passport holder. I feel that our country has failed itself by not reaching the level of support that you deserve. This, I believe, is our sacred duty as Americans. I want you to know that the majority of people in America are with you,
– Sean Penn emphasized with sadness in his voice.
The celebrity sincerely thanked for his children and for himself – for the fact that the military continues to fight for Ukraine and the whole world. In the video, Sean Penn also says that he plans to come to Ukraine in March and, perhaps, will have the opportunity to meet and shake hands with the fighters whose names he announced.
Sean Penn addressed the military: video
It should be noted that Sean Penn kept his word. He really came to Ukraine. On March 16, Volodymyr Zelensky said that he met with the American actor.
The fighters of the 157th Special Forces Brigade also reached out to Sean Penn. They congratulated the actor on his sixth nomination and third win at the Oscars.
Thank you for choosing to be with Ukraine even when you could have been at the Oscars,
– said a serviceman of the 157th Motorized Rifle Brigade.
What is known about Sean Penn's visit?
In March 2026, Sean Penn made an unannounced visit to Ukraine. He arrived in Kyiv against the backdrop of the 2026 Oscars. The actor deliberately missed the event despite his own victory – Penn received an award for his supporting role in the film “One Battle After Another.”
It is known that Sean Penn arrived in Kyiv by train. His video was released by Ukrzaliznytsia. The actor's arrival was not officially announced until recently.
In Ukraine, the Oscar winner received a symbolic gift. He was presented with a statuette made from the steel of a train carriage damaged after Russian shelling.