Angelina Jolie shared details of her a recent trip to Ukraine, during which she visited Kharkiv and other regions. The actress posted photographs from her trip and drew attention to how Ukrainian children, teachers and families continue to live amidst regular Russian attacks. In Kharkiv Jolie visited the underground educational and training facilities, and went to an art studio Aza Nizi Maza, met with women whose husbands are being held captive in Russia, and also paid tribute to the founder of the «Platsdarm» search group» Alexei Yukov, who died in August.
- Angelina Jolie spoke about her most recent visit to Ukraine.
- In Kharkiv, she visited underground educational and creative spaces.
- The actress met with the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
- Jolie paid tribute to the founder of «Platsdarm», Oleksiy Yukov.
Jolie showed how children in Kharkiv are being taught underground
In her post, the actress emphasised that Kharkiv is situated not far from the Russian border and is shelled almost every day.
Due to the constant threat, some of the city’s educational facilities have been moved underground — classrooms are being set up in metro stations or in specially built underground schools.
Jolie visited an underground training facility in the neighbourhood Northern Saltivka, one of the hardest-hit areas of Kharkiv. There, children and teenagers continue to play sport even during the war.
The actress wrote that she had met with teachers, coaches and local residents who are helping children to continue their education and pursue creative activities despite the constant danger.
The actress visited the Aza Nizi Maza underground studio
One of the places she visited Jolie, a Kharkiv-based art studio Aza Nizi Maza.
Due to Russian attacks, the studio moved its operations underground back in 2022. There, the children continue to draw and practise art in a safer environment.
During her visit, the actress noted that, even with limited resources, Ukrainian communities are creating an environment in which children can learn, train and socialise.
Later, Jolie also visited rehabilitation centres and children’s facilities in the Carpathians.
Jolie met with the families of prisoners of war
Whilst in Kharkiv, Angelina Jolie met with women who are raising their children on their own whilst waiting for their husbands to return from Russian captivity.
According to Ukrainian media reports, the actress spoke with the families and listened to their stories.
In her post, Jolie highlighted not only the physical danger faced by Ukrainians, but also the long-term psychological strain the war is placing on children and families.
Paid tribute to the memory of Alexei Yukov
A special part of the trip was paying tribute to the memory of Alexei Yukov — founder and head of the «Platsdarm» search and rescue team».
For many years, Yukov has been involved in the search for, exhumation, identification and return of the remains of fallen Ukrainian servicemen to their families.
He died 5 August 2026 whilst carrying out his duties. According to Radio Free Europe, Yukov was killed by a landmine whilst his group was working on the front line in the Lyman district of Donetsk Oblast.
In 2024, Oleksiy Yukov was awarded the presidential honour «Golden Heart». Together with «Platsdarm», he served in Sloviansk, Debaltseve, Ilovaisk and other areas of combat operations.
This is not Jolie’s first visit to Ukraine since the war began
Angelina Jolie has visited Ukraine on several occasions since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
During her most recent trip, she was seen in Kharkiv, Poltava, Lviv, Ternopil and other cities. The actress initially made no public comment on part of her visit, but shared the details after the trip had ended.
Jolie had previously visited frontline regions in Ukraine, where she spoke with children, medical staff, volunteers and people affected by the war.
In her latest post, the actress focused on how Ukrainian communities are trying to ensure that children can continue their education and lead a normal life, even in towns that are regularly attacked by Russia.
