Ben Stiller meets with ‘hero’ Ukrainian President Zelensky: ‘It’s a great honour’

Virgin Radio

21 Jun 2022, 11:43

Hollywood star Ben Stiller has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to the country. 

The actor is also an ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency, and was visiting Ukraine as part of World Refugee Day. 

During their meeting, Ben shook hands with the actor-turned-political leader, and thanked him for his hard work during the ongoing Russian war. 

In footage from their meeting (via Metro), Ben told the president: “It’s a great honour for me. You are my hero. You quit a great acting career for this."

"Not so great as you," Zelensky laughed. 

Prior to turning to politics, Zelensky had a career in showbiz, having voiced the Ukrainian version of Paddington and previously won the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing in 2006. 

Ben continued: “What you have done, the way you rallied the country and for the world, it’s really inspiring.”

As well as sharing his sit-down with President Zelensky on Twitter, Ben also shared a video message on Instagram about the importance of access to safety for refugees around the world. 

In the clip, Ben said: “I’m meeting people who’ve been impacted by the war and hearing how it’s changed their lives. War and violence are devastating people all over the world. Nobody chooses to flee their home. Seeking safety is a right, and it needs to be upheld for every person.”

Ben started his work with the United Nations Refugee Agency back in 2016, and has travelled to places such as Germany, Jordan and Lebanon to help the cause. 

He first arrived in Poland over the weekend, and sharing details of his trip on Instagram, Ben explained why it was important for him to meet people on the ground. 

Alongside a photo of refugee workers, Ben wrote: “I’ve just arrived in Poland with UNHCR, to meet families whose lives have been torn apart by war and violence in Ukraine. Millions have been forced to flee their homes with over 90% being women and children.

“I’m here to learn, to share stories that illustrate the human impact of war and to amplify calls for solidarity. I hope you’ll follow along and share your own messages of support, for people who have fled their homes in Ukraine and for people who have been forced to flee all over the world.  Everyone has the right to seek safety. Whoever, wherever, whenever.”