Penn was summoned to Kiev to receive the Order of Merit award of the third degree for his support of Ukraine following the Russian invasion. The actor, who is one of the most prominent voices against the Russian invasion, was even banned by the Kremlin, along with Ben Stiller, as a result.
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Zelensky, who initially refused to accept the award, wrote after the emotional ceremony that “Sean brought the Oscar statue as a sign of hope for the victory of our Ukraine. It will remain in Ukraine until the war is over.” The invitation of the Ukrainian president was also to present the Hollywood actor’s name on the “Walk of the Brave” in Kyiv, which is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where people from other countries who lead and represent support for Ukraine are honored.