Ukrainian theater and film actor Volodymyr Gladky has commented on the wave of criticism on social media triggered by his participation in projects where he plays military personnel. According to the Styler publication, citing the program "Alone with Glamour" («Наодинці з гламуром»), the artist confessed that he regularly faces harsh remarks from users who question his right to wear a military uniform on screen without being at the front lines. Gladky does not hide that such comments cause him discomfort, yet he believes that portraying Ukrainian defenders in cinema is a form of respect for the army.
"Why Did You Put on the Uniform?"
The actor recalled one of the most striking cases when an offensive message was addressed to him: "Why did you, toothed sh*t, put on the uniform?". Gladky did not hide the content of the correspondence and explained that such statements do not change his position. According to him, portraying defenders in films is a way to "bring" the army into mass consciousness and demonstrate respect for those fighting. He emphasized that he understands the difference between acting and real combat experience, but is convinced that under conditions of a full-scale war, it is important not only to talk about supporting the troops but also to help them with concrete actions.
"Either the Military, or for the Military"
Volodymyr Gladky openly confessed that he experiences inner discomfort because he is not at the front himself. "I believe that right now there should be either the military, or for the military. Thank God we are helping the army, and this at least somehow smooths our conscience that we are not at the front right now," the actor stated. According to him, participating in helping the military at least partially alleviates the guilt for not fighting personally. Gladky added that everyone can be useful to the army in their place, and supporting defenders must be expressed not only in words but in concrete deeds.
Concrete Help, Not Just Words
Despite the fact that Gladky's main professional activity is connected with film and theater, he actively participates in fundraising for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the purchase of drones. The actor helps supply defenders with necessary equipment and visits the military. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he also participated in helping evacuated people and delivering humanitarian aid to the de-occupied Kherson region. These facts, by his own admission, are a way for him to "smooth his conscience" and be useful to the country in a difficult period.
Context: Why the Topic Sparks Resonance
Criticism directed at artists playing military roles has become one of the characteristic topics in the Ukrainian public space amid the ongoing conflict. Part of the audience believes that wearing the uniform on screen without real combat experience looks inappropriate, whereas the actors and producers themselves argue their participation by saying that cinema and television remain important tools for patriotic education and maintaining troop morale. In his statement, Gladky took the position that art and helping the army do not contradict each other, but complement one another: the on-screen portrayal of defenders and real material support are two sides of the same mission.
