Photo: Venturelli/WireImage
Hayden Panettieresays her daughterKaya Evdokia Klitschko, 7, is “safe and not in Ukraine” following Russia’s invasion of the country.
The 32-year-oldNashvillealum confirmed her daughter’s safetyin the comment section of a Friday Instagram postwhere she weighed in on the humanitarian crisis for the first time.
Panettiere shares Kaya with ex-fiancé and former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, who hails from Ukraine. Klitschko’s brother Vitali Klitschko is the mayor of Kyiv.
In her Instagram post, Panettiere shared a message of support for the Ukrainian people alongside a photo of herself smiling while preparing to hug an unidentified person.
hayden panettiere/ instagram
“I have personally witnessed the strength of the Ukrainian people who fought so hard for their independence and have continued to passionately defend their country over the years,” the actress wrote in the caption.
“This horrific moment in history sends a terrifying message: the message that in this day and age, in year 2022, it’s okay to violate the rights of free people and allow autocrats like Putin to take whatever they please,” she continued. “I’m praying for my family and friends there and everyone who’s fighting. I wish you had more support and I wish I was there fighting with you!”
“For now, I ask for those of us who can’t be there to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and show your support for #democracy,” she concluded.
Frank Augstein/AP/Shutterstock
“Demonstrations are a key element of democracy. On our continent at this moment fundamental elements of democracy are under threat,” wrote Wladimir in the caption. He then encouraged others to “get involved and use the freedoms that democracy offers you to express your support and solidarity.”
Wladimir Klitschko in 2001.Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty
Russia began an invasion of Ukraine earlier this week, according to the Ukraine government, with forces moving from the north, east and south. The attack is still-evolving but explosions and airstrikes have been reported, with threats mounting against the capital, Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million people.
Numerous residents have been seen trying to flee. “We are facing a war and horror. What could be worse?” one 64-year-old woman living in Kyiv told the Associated Press.
source: people.com
