Miss Grand Ukraine Is Now Fighting To Protect Her Country. Here's What We Know

On February 24, 2022, after months of speculation and tense talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, CNN reported that Russia invaded Ukraine. Since its invasion, stories of heroism on the part of Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and government officials have dominated headlines and given many a clearer picture of the lengths that Ukrainian citizens are willing to go to protect the country that they love. One of the most beloved heroes to emerge from the war reports is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former comedian and actor who has led the nation's fight against its neighbor. Despite the fact that his life is in danger, Zelenskyy has repeatedly turned down offers to escort him out of Ukraine and into safer territory. In fact, the Ukrainian leader gave the media one of the war's most iconic lines to date, per AP News. "I need ammunition, not a ride," he allegedly fired back, when the United States offered the president transportation to a safer area.

Along with Zelenskyy, there is no shortage of heroic Ukrainian citizens willing to defend their country. According to Buzzfeed, this includes one soldier who rigged a bridge to blow up as Russians crossed it in Kyiv, sacrificing his life to ensure that the trap worked. Thousands of civilian volunteers have taken up arms to guard the frontlines of the war — and now, a former Ukrainian beauty queen is making her voice heard as well.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Anastasia Lenna, Ukraine's representative in the 2015 Miss Grand International beauty contest, has been outspoken about her intention to protect her home country. In an Instagram post shared on February 22, 2022, the former beauty queen was pictured dressed in combat boots and carrying a gun. She captioned the post simply: "#StandWithUkraine #HandsOffUkraine." On February 28, Lenna posted an Instagram video highlighting her desire to protect her country. The video also showcased the powerful women fighting to protect Ukraine. "All pictures in my profile to inspire people," Lenna wrote. "I had a normal life just on Wednesday, like millions [of] people. I don't do any propaganda except showing that our woman of Ukraine — strong, confident, and powerful. I appreciate all attention and support to my country, all people in Ukraine, we fight every day against Russian aggression. We will win! I was born and live in Kyiv. This is my city. Ukraine is my country."

According to The Sun, Lenna began modeling when she was only 13 years old. The Kyiv resident also graduated from Slavistik University, where she obtained a degree in marketing and management. More recently, Lenna — who speaks five languages — served as a translator and public relations manager in Turkey. Clearly, she knows how to use her social media platforms to rally support for her home country.