Three Ukrainian stars who refused to cooperate with Russia during the war
War changes people, and Ukrainian actors were no exception. Vlad Nikityuk, Olexii Gorbunov and Yuriy Dyak are three Ukrainian stars who refused to cooperate with Russia after the start of the full-scale invasion.
Vlad Nikityuk: From serials to the front
Vlad Nikityuk, a famous Ukrainian theater and film actor, was born in Kyiv and previously worked with Russian directors. However, with the beginning of the war, he radically changed his life.
"For me, there are no more Russians, only Ukraine!"
Resting in Transcarpathia on the first day of the war, Vlad realized his responsibility and joined charity initiatives. He organized trips to the front and collected funds to support Ukrainian defenders. Currently, the actor continues to actively support the Armed Forces.
Oleksiy Gorbunov: Returning home
People's Artist of Ukraine Oleksiy Gorbunov once acted in Russian films, but in 2014 he decided to return to Ukraine.
"I don't think about reestablishing ties with Russia until the end of the war."
Gorbunov actively supports the Ukrainian army by sending funds to the Armed Forces. Today, he continues to work on new projects on the territory of his native country, leaving the Russian past behind.
Yuriy Dyak: From the stage to the director's chair
Honored Artist of Ukraine Yuriy Dyak also starred in Russian films before the start of the full-scale invasion. However, he quickly decided on his position and took the side of Ukraine.
"Theater is my weapon in the fight for the truth."
Nowadays, Yuriy can rarely be seen on television, but he is actively working in the theater. This year, the actor made his debut as a director on the stage of the National Academic Theater of Lesya Ukrainka in Kyiv, receiving favorable reviews from critics.
Refusing to cooperate with Russian filmmakers was an important step in their lives and careers for these actors. They chose to support their native country, leaving behind ties with the aggressor country.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova