Zelenskyy’s former aide Andrii Yermak goes to the front line after all – with Sean Penn

American actor and director Sean Penn, who is currently in Ukraine, has visited a combat unit of the 157th Mechanised Brigade in Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, accompanied by the former head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak.

Source: a statement from the 157th Separate Mechanised Brigade

Quote: "Having skipped the Oscars ceremony and travelled to Ukraine, Sean Penn got to make an in-person visit to a combat unit of the 157th Separate Mechanised Brigade, which is carrying out combat missions in Donetsk Oblast."

Details: Judging by the photos released by the brigade, the actor was accompanied by Andrii Yermak, the former head of the President's Office, but no mention is made of this in the report.

In November 2025, Yermak told the New York Post that he was heading to the front line after resigning following the outbreak of a corruption scandal and searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) at his home.

More details: The 157th Separate Mechanised Brigade said Sean Penn had spoken with Ukrainian servicemen and expressed his heartfelt support and gratitude for their courage, self-sacrifice and dedication to defending Ukraine.

Quote: "His visit is a sign that the world sees and values our heroes, who day after day stand guard over the freedom and independence of our country. Such meetings inspire us and remind us that even in the toughest times we are not alone, and our courage will not go unnoticed."

Background:

• On 16 March, it was reported that Sean Penn had arrived in Ukraine. The star chose to miss the Oscars ceremony, despite having won an award, in order to make the trip.
• In early March, after stepping down as head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak was appointed chair of a committee established on his initiative at the National Bar Association to address the protection of victims of armed aggression against Ukraine, compensation mechanisms, and the legal framework for recovery within the context of European integration.

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