--- title: "Volodymyr Gladky Responds to Haters Criticizing Him for Wearing Military Uniform on Screen" description: "Ukrainian actor Volodymyr Gladky commented on social media criticism over his military roles in films. He stated that portraying defenders on screen shows respect for the army and detailed his real support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine." date: 2026-10-17T14:34:01.025Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/gladkiy-criticism-military-role tags: [ukraine, actor, military, cinema, volodimir-gladky, entertainment] author: "Marina Slivenko" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Volodymyr Gladky Responds to Haters Criticizing Him for Wearing Military Uniform on Screen ![Ukrainian actor Volodymyr Gladky in a white sweater giving an interview against the background of a film set](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/17/gladkiy-kritika-voennaya-rol/gladkiy-kritika-voennaya-rol-1.webp) ## Key Points - Volodymyr Gladky faced social media criticism for playing military roles on screen - The actor believes that showing defenders in cinema is a form of respect for the army - Gladky acknowledged inner discomfort over not being at the front lines - The actor participates in fundraising for drones, supplying troops, and delivering humanitarian aid 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. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Актер Владимир Гладкий ответил на оскорбления хейтеров из-за роли военного](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/people/aktor-volodimir-gladkiy-vidpoviv-obrazi-heyteriv-1792227116.html) - The primary source contains direct quotes from the actor from the program "Alone with Glamour", a description of his activities helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the context of social media criticism. All factual statements in the article are verified against the source text. ## FAQ ### Why did Volodymyr Gladky face criticism? The actor is rebuked on social media for wearing a military uniform on screen while playing military personnel, even though he is not at the front himself. ### How does Gladky react to criticism? He acknowledges that he reads harsh comments, but believes that embodying defenders in cinema is a way to show respect for the army and "bring" it into mass consciousness. ### Does Gladky help the army besides acting? Yes. He participates in fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including drones, helps provide defenders with equipment, visits the military, and at the start of the full-scale invasion helped evacuees and delivered humanitarian aid to the Kherson region.