Daryl Hannah expressed support for Ukraine as she took to the stage at Sunday night’s Oscars.
The actress was presenting an award in honour of the 20th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 2 when she made an unscripted statement.
As she stepped up to the microphone, the 64-year-old raised a victory sign and declared, “Slava Ukraine!”—a phrase meaning “Glory to Ukraine.” Her words were met with applause from the audience.
The phrase holds deep significance, serving as both a patriotic slogan and a rallying cry for Ukraine’s armed forces as they continue their fight against Russian aggression.
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After her brief show of solidarity, she shifted back to the teleprompter to present the award for Best Editing, which was won by Anora.
Hannah’s public support for Ukraine came just two days after a tense and highly publicised Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The US president and his Ukrainian counterpart met in the Oval Office on Friday where Trump and his vice president JD Vance criticised Zelensky in fiery clashes that resulted in Zelensky being asked to leave White House and the planned signing of a minerals deal scrapped.
During the heated exchange, Mr Trump raised his voice at Mr Zelensky claiming was “gambling with World War Three” in the diplomatic blowout broadcast around the world, sparking intense debate over the future of US aid to Ukraine.
With uncertainty surrounding America’s commitment, Zelensky quickly travelled to Europe, where leaders in the UK and other nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.
On Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer met with Mr Zelensky and told him he had “full backing across the United Kingdom” and that Britain stands with Ukraine “for as long as it may take”.
Then on Sunday the King met the Ukrainian president at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk for just under an hour, after the latter’s attendance at the defence summit on Ukraine in London.
A military helicopter carrying Mr Zelensky could be seen flying low and descending over the estate at around 5.25pm.
People, some holding Ukraine flags, gathered outside the estate to try and catch a glimpse of the arrival.
A motorcade then took the president through the grounds of the estate to Sandringham House, where Charles greeted him at the doorstep.
They embraced and shook hands before chatting briefly and posing for photos.
The monarch then warmly received Mr Zelensky in the house’s Saloon room, with tea being served.
A helicopter departed the estate at around 6.35pm.
Mr Zelensky, whose plane left from Stansted Airport later on Sunday night, posted a picture of the meeting on X, saying “I am grateful to His Majesty King Charles III for the audience” and adding pictures of the Ukrainian flag and the Union flag.
The pair previously met during Mr Zelensky’s surprise visit to the UK in February 2023 in a historic audience at Buckingham Palace.
