Angelina Jolie has never been one to shy away from danger when it comes to humanitarian work.
This week, the Oscar-winning actress was seen in Kherson, a war-torn city in southern Ukraine, continuing her long-standing dedication to helping civilians caught in conflict.
Locals were stunned to see her walking through the city wearing a body armor vest with the Legacy of War Foundation insignia, the organization assisting Ukrainians affected by the ongoing war.
Visiting Hospitals Amid the Chaos
Despite the perilous conditions, Jolie made her way to several hospitals, including a maternity ward and a children’s hospital, to meet with staff and patients.
Witnesses shared that her visit brought a rare moment of comfort and hope to those enduring daily fear.
One local outlet even posted heartwarming images of Jolie sitting in a playroom surrounded by toys, smiling as she interacted with children — all while wearing her protective gear.
Former city council member Vitaliy Bohdanov also shared photos of the actress, confirming her visit.
However, Jolie’s representatives have not issued any official comment about her trip, perhaps reflecting her desire to keep the focus on Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis rather than her presence.
Facing Ongoing Dangers in Kherson
Kherson remains one of the most heavily targeted regions in Ukraine, enduring near-daily strikes by Russian forces.
Just days before Jolie’s visit, an airstrike on a children’s hospital injured nine people, underscoring the grave risks civilians — and visiting humanitarians — face in the city.
Her decision to enter such a volatile zone once again highlights her courage and commitment to causes beyond the red carpet.
A Decade-Spanning Legacy of Humanitarian Work
Jolie’s humanitarian record is impressive. From 2001 to 2012, she served as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, later becoming a Special Envoy until 2022.
Over those two decades, she carried out more than 60 field missions to support refugees and displaced families worldwide.
Even after stepping down from her official UN role, she has continued her advocacy independently.
In 2022, she made headlines when she visited Lviv, Ukraine, to meet with children injured in the Kramatorsk train station missile attack.
She spent time speaking with displaced families at a railway station during an active air raid, once again putting herself in harm’s way to bring global awareness to their plight.
Supporting Refugees Beyond Ukraine
That same year, Jolie also visited Ukrainian child refugees at Rome’s Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital near Vatican City.
Many of the children had just arrived from war zones, joining the more than two million Ukrainians who fled their homeland since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Another 2.5 million were internally displaced, according to UNICEF.
Jolie took to Instagram around that time, sharing a heartfelt message to her millions of followers.
“Like many of you, I’m praying for the people of Ukraine,” she wrote, emphasizing her focus on ensuring protection and basic human rights for those forced to flee their homes.
Recognition and Ongoing Commitment
Her decades of service didn’t go unnoticed.
In 2013, Jolie received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award — a rare honor in Hollywood reserved for those whose humanitarian efforts have made a global impact.
Despite her fame, Jolie continues to place compassion before celebrity, returning repeatedly to crisis zones to shed light on human suffering.
A New Chapter in Film and in Life
While Jolie continues her humanitarian journey, she’s also preparing for her next big-screen project — and possibly a major life change.
She’s set to reunite with Mr. and Mrs. Smith director Doug Liman for a new spy thriller titled The Initiative. Written by F. Scott Frazier, the film casts Jolie as a rogue intelligence operative named Bright, in what’s been described as “Training Day set in the world of espionage.”
The project marks a reunion nearly two decades after she last worked with Liman on the 2005 action-comedy that famously paired her with then-future husband Brad Pitt.
Leaving Hollywood Behind
Away from film sets, Jolie is reportedly planning to leave Hollywood altogether.
According to People, she intends to sell her historic Los Angeles mansion and move abroad once her youngest children — twins Knox and Vivienne — turn 18 next year.
A source told the outlet that Jolie “never wanted to live in L.A. full time” but stayed for years because of her custody arrangement with Pitt.
Following their highly publicized divorce settlement in December 2024, the actress is ready for a fresh start.
“She’ll be very happy when she’s able to leave Los Angeles,” the insider added.
What Comes Next for Angelina Jolie
Between her fearless humanitarian missions and her upcoming film, Angelina Jolie continues to defy convention — balancing artistry, advocacy, and motherhood with grace.
Whether she’s in a war zone bringing comfort to displaced children or back on a film set redefining her career, one thing remains certain: Jolie’s influence extends far beyond Hollywood’s borders, touching lives in the world’s most desperate corners.