Over the weekend, actor Orlando Bloom surprised many by traveling to Ukraine, still under siege by the Russian military, as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Bloom spent three days touring the war-torn country and meeting with various individuals, including President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Presidential Palace.
During their meeting, Bloom and Zelensky discussed ways to help Ukrainian children affected by the war. According to Ukrainian officials, approximately 14,000 children have been kidnapped and deported to Russia, with only a small fraction returned to Ukraine. Additionally, 465 children have been killed during the war.
Bloom commended the strength of the Ukrainian people and their ability to hold their country together amidst the turmoil. He also spoke with Zelensky about UNICEF’s efforts to locate missing Ukrainian children and the need for foster families instead of group homes.
In addition to discussing the welfare of children, Bloom also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, condemning the atrocities taking place in Ukraine. With Bloom’s visit and advocacy for Ukraine, it is hoped that more attention and aid will be given to the children and families affected by the ongoing conflict.
