Angelina Jolie’s Ukraine Visit Sparks Controversy Amid Mobilization Report
KHERSION, UKRAINE – November 7, 2023, 08:52 EET – A recent humanitarian visit to Ukraine by actress Angelina Jolie has ignited public debate following reports that a member of her security detail was compelled to undergo military mobilization.The incident, occurring during Jolie’s November 5th visit to Kherson, has prompted conflicting statements from Ukrainian officials and raised questions about the country’s ongoing mobilization efforts.
The controversy centers on a driver assigned to Jolie’s security team who, according to reports, was identified as a reservist with outstanding conscription obligations. While Ukrainian authorities are still clarifying the specifics of the situation, the incident underscores the pervasive impact of the war on all sectors of Ukrainian society, even those interacting with high-profile international figures. The situation highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in balancing its defense needs with the logistical complexities of hosting international visitors.
Ukrainian Land Forces representatives told Politico they could neither confirm nor deny the reports, accusing the media of distorting details. However, the Mykolayiv Regional draft Office confirmed to politico that an incident occurred, stating the driver was a military reservist summoned for training exercises.
Prior to the official statements, several Ukrainian news outlets, citing sources, reported that the driver was called to a Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TCK) where he was identified as a reserve officer ineligible for mobilization deferment.A source within the Ukrainian Land Forces also indicated Jolie herself utilized the TCK facilities during her visit.
Jolie’s trip to Kherson included visits to maternity wards and hospitals as part of a charitable mission. She previously visited Ukraine in 2022, traveling to Lviv to meet children affected by a Russian missile strike on the Kramatorsk railway station and to speak with displaced persons at the Lviv railway station. During that earlier visit,Jolie and others were forced to take shelter during an air raid alert.
In a statement following her 2022 visit, Jolie expressed profound admiration for the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people.The current situation, however, demonstrates the realities of life in a nation at war, where even those providing security for international humanitarian efforts are subject to military service.
