Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially received an Oscar for his role in the Russia-Ukraine War, presented by pro-war activist and actor Sean Penn.
In a video that has been circulating across social media, Penn and Zelensky can be observed sitting in the Ukranian leader’s office as soft music plays in the background.
“This is for you,” Penn told Zelensky as he pulled out his own Oscar award, with soft music playing to set the scene. “Awe, Sean,” Zelesnky said in awe. “Yes,” Penn told Zelensky.
At first, Zelensky appeared reluctant to accept Penn’s offer, but the Hollywood actor explained, “I feel terrible. It’s just a symbolic, silly thing. But if I know this is here with you, then I’ll feel better and stronger for the fight.”
Watch Zelensky receive the award on Spreely.video:
“It’s a great, great honor,” said Zelensky. “But, until we win,” he continued, before being interrupted by Penn.
“When you win, bring it back to Malibu,” Penn told Zelensky. “I’ll feel much better knowing there’s a piece of me here,” he added, urging Zelensky to accept his gift.
The soft music continues to play as Zelensky then presents some sort of medal to Penn in return for the Oscar.
Though the sight of a Hollywood celebrity presenting a prestigious award to the president of a war torn country may seem odd, this is far from Penn’s first trip to Ukraine.
In April, shortly after the war began, Penn joined Fox News host Sean Hannity after a trip to Ukraine and advocated for the United States to be prepared to attack Russia with nuclear weapons.
Penn complained,”countries that have nuclear weapons can remain intimidated to use them, and we are seeing that now with our own country.”
That same month, the actor also claimed to be considering “taking up arms” to go fight Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
“If you’ve been in Ukraine [fighting] has to cross your mind,” he said. “And you kind of think what century is this? Because I was at the gas station in Brentwood the other day and I’m now thinking about taking up arms against Russia? What the fuck is going on?”
Penn noted that he would take up arms against the Russians without any body armor.
“The only possible reason for me staying in Ukraine longer last time would’ve been for me to be holding a rifle, probably without body armor, because as a foreigner, you would want to give that body armor to one of the civilian fighters who doesn’t have it or to a fighter with more skills than I have, or to a younger man or woman who could fight for longer or whatever.”
As of right now, Penn not stepped foot on the Ukrainian battlefield to wage war on the Russians since making the claims.
