On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, celebrated on August 24, 2026, American actor Richard Gere recorded a video message from New York. In the clip, organized by the public organization Ukraine WOW, the star of 'Pretty Woman' and 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' conveyed words of support to the Ukrainian people and recited a poem by Ukrainian poet Yuri Izdryk.
Shooting at the Ukrainian House in New York
The video was filmed at the Ukrainian House in New York — a symbolic venue often hosting cultural and diplomatic events related to Ukraine. According to representatives of Ukraine WOW, this was the ideal location for the project, emphasizing the connection between the two nations. The actor, known for his active civic stance, personally participated in the preparation for the recording, made possible through lengthy negotiations with his agency.
Reciting Yuri Izdryk's Poem
The centerpiece of the video message is the recitation of a poem by Ukrainian poet Yuri Izdryk. Despite the language barrier, Gere pronounced the final line in Ukrainian, which particularly delighted the organizers. "In the fifth year of the war, every voice reminding the world of Ukraine is of immense importance," emphasized Ukraine WOW co-founders Yaroslava Gres and Yulia Solovei. The poem's translation was prepared by Roman Ivashkyv and Erin Moore, ensuring the accuracy and emotional depth of the text.
Support for Ukraine on the International Stage
Richard Gere has spoken out in support of Ukraine on numerous occasions. Previously, in June 2026, he gave an interview to Latvian television, where he discussed the work on reciting the poem. This served as a signal to the Ukrainian side that the project would indeed take place. The actor is also known for his statements regarding Kremlin disinformation and Putin's true plans, making his voice particularly significant in the context of the information war.
Contradictory Data
While most sources confirm the fact of the filming and the content of the video, there are some discrepancies regarding the exact publication date. Some Ukrainian media reported the release of the clip on August 23, whereas the official Ukraine WOW page indicated August 24. Additionally, some sources mentioned that Gere recited the poem entirely in Ukrainian, which is not accurate — he only pronounced the final line.
Significance of the Action in the Context of the War
Amidst the ongoing conflict, such actions become an important tool for maintaining the morale of Ukrainians. The voices of famous figures, such as Richard Gere, help draw global attention to the situation in Ukraine. As noted by Ukraine WOW, every such gesture is a contribution to the fight for truth and justice.
