DWTS's Artem Chigvintsev Pens Vulnerable Post About The Ukraine Crisis
As the war in Ukraine continues, many celebrities have taken to social media to share their support for the country and its citizens (via Global Citizen). Mila Kunis, who is from the Southwestern city Chernivtsi, started a GoFundMe campaign with husband Ashton Kutcher by giving $3 million to provide support for the relief effort. The fundraiser has since raised over $20 million of its $30 million goal.
"Dancing with the Stars" professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy has also spoken out about the ongoing conflict, telling CNN that he plans to return to Europe to "join efforts on the ground." Chmerkovskiy was in Ukraine as the fighting started, but has since started dealing with "survivor's remorse" and wants to go back. "I'm going to go back to Poland and join efforts on the ground. Sort of want to justify my [safety] that way."
Some Russian celebrities have also been sharing their support for the Ukrainian people, including "Dancing with the Stars' professional Artem Chigvintsev — who was originally born in Izhevsk, the capital city of Udmurtia in Russia. Per Us Weekly, Chigvintsev moved to the U.S. in 2003 and shortly after began his professional dancer career.
Artem Chigvintsev has family and friends in both Russia and Ukraine
Taking to his Instagram Stories on March 10, Artem Chigvintsev spoke about how he has "family and friends on both sides" and is struggling to come to terms with the war between Ukraine and Russia. "This hasn't been easy to write and really gather my thoughts on the devastating situation that's been happening right now in Ukraine," he wrote (via AOL). "I want to make it very clear to everyone that I don't support war of any kind. It's devastating to see people die and suffer the costs."
He asked his followers to not assume that he's "ignorant" about what's happening, and that he's doing his "best to support and donate to the organization that [is] helping right now." Chigvintsev continued, "Just because people don't post about [the war] doesn't mean they don't care there are many ways you can help [...] no one owes an explanation to anyone, about how they process and how they deal with it."