Actor Richard Gere sends Independence Day greetings and recites Ukrainian poem

What happened

Ukrainska Pravda English reports that American actor Richard Gere has recorded a video message to congratulate Ukrainians ahead of their Independence Day on 24 August. In the message, Gere expressed his support for Ukraine and recited a poem by Ukrainian poet Yurii Izdryk, presented in English translation by Roman Ivashkiv and Erine Moure.

The video was filmed at Ukrainian House in New York, a noted cultural landmark, and the team behind the Ukraine Wow project shared the message, thanking Gere and his charitable foundation for their support. Gere also spoke a few words in Ukrainian at the end of the video.

The message originally planned for publication on Ukraine’s Independence Day was released earlier, according to Yaroslava Hres, co-founder of Ukraine Wow who posted it on Instagram. Gere’s greetings include expressions of unwavering support and solidarity, calling himself a brother to the people of Ukraine.

Known from the source

• Richard Gere recorded a video message congratulating Ukrainians on Independence Day, dated 24 August.
• In the message, he recited a poem by Ukrainian poet Yurii Izdryk, translated into English by Roman Ivashkiv and Erine Moure.
• The video was filmed at Ukrainian House in New York City.
• The Ukraine Wow project team posted the message on Instagram prior to 24 August.
• Gere expressed his support for Ukraine and spoke some words in Ukrainian.

What remains unclear

Richard Gere is internationally known for roles in films including Pretty Woman, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. His participation in this tribute adds a high-profile international voice to ongoing cultural solidarity efforts for Ukraine during the conflict with Russia.

What remains unclear: Verify the video message release date and authenticity. Confirm the official translation of the poem and licensing rights for publication. Ensure compliance with any copyright or permissions related to the video and poem. Confirm no additional context or updates to Gere’s message or related events before release.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.