Why Angelina Jolie visited Ukraine and chose Kherson: Key details revealed
Angelina Jolie (photo: Getty Images)
British photographer, writer and humanitarian Giles Duley shared details of Angelina Jolie's visit to Ukraine in November 2025, according to NV.
Asked for advice
According to Duley, the actress consulted him in advance about the trip and wanted to see firsthand how Ukrainians live near the front line. That is why, among several possible destinations, Kherson was chosen — a city that is under daily Russian attacks.
"I met her in London shortly before her trip, and she asked for my advice on where she should go. She is a true humanitarian. Her sensitivity and compassion for people… She always seeks to understand how people live in conditions of war," he explained.
Duley added that humanitarian teams and ambulances from his organization operate in this Ukrainian city, which made it possible to ensure the star’s safety during the visit. He also noted that Kherson best reflects the reality of civilian life in frontline conditions.
"That is why we suggested Kherson, because our ambulances operate there. I knew we could take good care of her there. And it was a place where she would truly understand how people live on the front line in Ukraine," the humanitarian said.
Ongoing support
According to the photographer, who is also a close friend of the Hollywood star, Jolie has long supported Ukraine and deeply cares about the fate of its people. He recalled that the actress visited the country shortly after the start of the full-scale war and has continuously followed the situation ever since.
They have also repeatedly drawn international attention to Ukrainian charity and volunteer initiatives through social media. Duley described Jolie as someone who seeks not only to express support but also to personally see and understand what people are going through during the war.
The photographer believes that the Hollywood star’s presence in Kherson had a strong moral impact on local residents and military personnel. According to him, after the visit he received numerous messages from Ukrainians who were moved that a globally recognized celebrity came to one of the country’s most dangerous regions.
"I received many messages, including from two soldiers I have known for years who are at the front line. They told me how pleased they were to see her there, under anti-drone netting, really understanding the situation. I think the mood of people, including Kherson residents, was so uplifted that someone was speaking about their city, where, as we know, there is a ‘human safari’," he said.
Borscht and pickled tomatoes
Duley also shared a lighter detail, suggesting that Jolie likely tried borscht during her stay in Ukraine. Moreover, the actress had previously been introduced to Ukrainian cuisine. At one event in New York, he treated her to pickled tomatoes he had brought from Kharkiv from a local woman.
"I cooked for her in New York. I held an event at her Atelier Jolie center in New York about two years ago. For the starter, I served pickled tomatoes I brought from Kharkiv from a grandmother named Liuba. She tried them," Giles added.
Jolie in Ukraine
For Angelina Jolie, the trip to Kherson was not her first visit to Ukraine during the full-scale war. In spring 2022, the Hollywood actress unexpectedly visited Lviv, where she met with displaced people, visited a medical facility, and spoke with Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion. Her appearance at the time drew significant attention both in Ukraine and abroad.
Since then, Jolie has repeatedly shown support for Ukraine. She has drawn international attention to the humanitarian situation, supported charitable initiatives, and spoken about the impact of the war on civilians.
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