Liev Schreiber Takes Shelter in Kyiv Hospital During Russian Strike

American actor Liev Schreiber, a UNITED24 ambassador, was forced to take cover in a Kyiv hospital on Thursday during a visit to Ukraine, as Russian missiles and drones pounded the capital overnight. The attack, which lasted for hours, killed at least 16 people and left widespread destruction across the city and surrounding region, according to Ukrainian officials.

Schreiber arrived in the Solomianskyi district, where he surveyed the aftermath: a damaged school, burnt-out cars, and debris scattered across the streets. "There's really no way to describe it," he said, visibly shaken by the scene.

Speaking as an air raid siren wailed in the background, Schreiber emphasized the urgent need for robust air defense systems. He noted that attacks on Kyiv have become more frequent and stressed the importance of Patriot missile systems, expressing hope that the program could resume. "What the site that I just saw revealed is how important that is, how necessary it is to try to stop some of these really powerful munitions before they achieve their targets," he said, pointing out that the targets are clearly civilian.

Later, as the siren sounded again, Schreiber and his team moved into a hospital shelter. Sitting in the cramped space, he reflected on the toll of living under constant threat. "When you're living underneath them and four or five times a week you're in an air raid shelter like this, it's hard to have perspective," he said.

Despite the grim circumstances, Schreiber voiced unwavering optimism about Ukraine's prospects. "I've always thought that everyone said I was crazy," he said. "But when you have the truth on your side, those are the best odds." He framed Ukraine's struggle as a global fight for democracy, adding that his involvement stems not only from his Ukrainian heritage but from his belief as an American in the cause of democracy.

Schreiber, who has served as a UNITED24 ambassador since 2022, has helped raise funds for humanitarian and medical needs in Ukraine. His visit comes ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day, a time when the nation's resilience is being tested once again.