Civilians have made their way to the Ukrainian border after Russian military forces invaded the country last week.
Among the asylum seekers who escaped into neighboring countries like Poland was American actor Sean Penn, who said he and two colleagues escaped Ukraine after abandoning their car and traveling for miles on foot.
On February 28, the I Am Sam actor shared a photo of his journey.
"Myself & two colleagues walked miles to the Polish border after abandoning our car on the side of the road," he wrote in the caption.
"Almost all the cars in this photo carry women & children only, most without any sign of luggage, and a car their only possession of value."
Myself & two colleagues walked miles to the Polish border after abandoning our car on the side of the road. Almost all the cars in this photo carry women & children only, most without any sign of luggage, and a car their only possession of value.pic.twitter.com/XSwCDgYVSH— Sean Penn (@Sean Penn) 1646079011
Penn was in the country filming a documentary about Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
He had attended press briefings in the capital city of Kyiv where he met with officials and interviewed journalists and military personnel about the crisis facing the country.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office praised the filmmaker on Facebook.
“Sean Penn demonstrates the courage that many others, especially western politicians lack,” read the post.
“The director specially came to Kiev to record all the events that are currently happening in Ukraine and to tell the world the truth about Russia’s invasion of our country.”
He gets up, suits up & goes. He\u2019s a visionary, he\u2019s all heart, he\u2019s #SeanPenn Looking forward to the documentary about @Ukraine & the people who\u2019ve captured our hearts.pic.twitter.com/Z4o4jjTX9x— \ud83c\udf3bTrinityPhoenix\ud83c\udf0eGoodTrouble\ud83c\udfc3\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2640\ufe0fRunner (@\ud83c\udf3bTrinityPhoenix\ud83c\udf0eGoodTrouble\ud83c\udfc3\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2640\ufe0fRunner) 1646104939
Can't wait to see your documentary. At first, it sounded silly to me that you were there but then I realized you are going to give the people a platform to express their experience. We need an honest resource from the ground. Stay safe.— Ali Dale (@Ali Dale) 1646079287
You are the most amazing person in Hollywood. The hero is not in the movies, but in reality! Let your colleagues look at you, who tortured us with eternal photos of resorts with mistresses, this road is better than words. My heart is with you !— Irina Den (@Irina Den) 1646126373
You are the dudepic.twitter.com/s1CwENIbLb— Tom Davis (@Tom Davis) 1646095599
Critics who may not have shared the same views as Penn gave him credit where it was due.
I dont agree with Sean on everything, but he definitely (literally in this case) walks the walk. Respect.— It's James & the Awful Truth\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@It's James & the Awful Truth\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1646197011
I could disagree with mr Penn about a lot of things. But his last days in Ukraine are ultimate proof of him beeing a honourable man.— Pawe\u0142 Szrot (@Pawe\u0142 Szrot) 1646090240
I have to say that I was never a big fan or yours, however this courage you display to tell the truth and help others through the most difficult of times, brings light to your character. May God keep you safe and humble.— Joe "5" (@Joe "5") 1646161571
And Poland eagerly anticipated his arrival.
RespectYou are eagerly awaited in Poland. You will find friends of yours and friends of brave Ukrainian people. Go safely to the border of my country!— Marcin Ko\u0142odziejczyk (@Marcin Ko\u0142odziejczyk) 1646120211
Welcome to Poland! Thank you for what you are doing for Ukraine! I invite you to my house for a dinner. We love you!— marika (@marika) 1646119644
We invite you to Poland for "bigos" and "schabowy", Mr. Penn. \nAll the best to you!— Piotr \u0142ysy uszaty (@Piotr \u0142ysy uszaty) 1646087105
Sean. We welcome you with "bread and salt" as we say in #Poland. We welcome you "on land, on this land" as says JPII our pope. And as foretune teller says - from this land spark of #freedom will hit the world as never before.— SuperPR (@SuperPR) 1646124918
Outside of his career in Hollywood, Penn has performed international humanitarian efforts.
Penn traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana in September 2005 to provide aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina and was physically involved in rescuing people.
Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, he founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which operated a tent camp housing 55,000 people.
In 2019, the non-profit organization changed its name to CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and globally expanded its relief efforts, including in the U.S., where CORE administered free COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic in March 2020.
In March 2012, Penn visited flood-stricken villages in Pakistan and–alongside U.S. Consul General William J. Martin–helped distribute blankets, quilts and kitchen items to flood survivors.
@SeanPenn literally 'walks the walk'...I'll refresh everyone's memory also that he literally flew to NOLA and was rescuing people in a canoe after Hurricane Katrina.— Anonymous (@Anonymous) 1646081684
Hello sir!\nHere is another of millions of fans of your work; the artistic but also the humanitarian one.\nGod bless you!— AmericanPolak (@AmericanPolak) 1646090268
Many of the 280,000 refugees who sought safety in Poland since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the broad attack on Ukraine are women and children.
Since Kyiv decreed a full military mobilization, Ukrainian men ages 18-60 are required to stay in the country to help fight off Russian forces.
Penn lauded the Ukrainian President and the people for their bravery in an interview with Newsweek.
"President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have risen as historic symbols of courage and principle," he said.
"Ukraine is the tip of the spear for the democratic embrace of dreams. If we allow it to fight alone, our soul as America is lost."