President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has made some notable appointments, with former soccer player Andriy Shevchenko becoming a special adviser and British actor Mark Strong serving as an ambassador to Zelenskyy’s charity. Shevchenko, who previously acted as ambassador for United24, a charity created by Zelenskyy to collect donations for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022, expressed his dedication to helping his country through soccer and charity events. Strong, known for his roles in movies such as the “Kingsman” series and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” will be a voice for Ukrainian children on the global stage.
The charity set up by Zelenskyy has successfully raised $470 million from over 110 countries, with ambassadors such as Barbra Streisand, Liev Schreiber, and Richard Branson supporting its mission. Shevchenko, who had a successful career in soccer playing for teams like A.C. Milan and Chelsea, spoke about the importance of providing assistance to Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasized that helping his people is his primary responsibility.
These appointments highlight Zelenskyy’s commitment to utilizing influential figures from various realms to bolster Ukraine’s international standing. By appointing Shevchenko as a special adviser, Zelenskyy taps into his experience and connections in the world of soccer to promote Ukraine’s interests. Strong’s appointment as an ambassador further amplifies the international support for the charity, providing a platform to advocate for the well-being of Ukrainian children. With their combined efforts, Zelenskyy aims to ensure that Ukraine remains at the forefront of global attention and assistance, even during times of conflict.