Hayden Panettiere Launches Relief Fund to Support Those Defending Ukraine

Hayden Panettiere is showing her support for Ukraine.

The 32-year-old actress, who shares 7-year-old daughter Kaya with Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, announced on Tuesday (March 8) that she had launched a relief fund for those fighting to defend Ukraine.

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According to CNN, her organization Hoplon International aims to raise critical funding for medical supplies and protective gear for Ukrainians.

Hayden said that she could not “continue to sit on the sidelines” as the conflict rages on.

“There are no words to describe what its been like watching the war in Ukraine unfold,” she said in a message posted to the organization’s YouTube. “It’s gut wrenching knowing the people of Ukraine, people I call my friends and family are desperately trying to defend their way of life in a country that they love.”

The relief fund’s mission statement reads: “Hoplons were shields employed by the ancient Greeks. In that spirit, Hoplon International funnels support from the global community to the front lines in Ukraine, where outnumbered, outgunned, and largely civilian forces are struggling to defend their country, their way of life, and their fellow citizens.”

To donate, visit GiveLively.org.

Hayden first spoke out about the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February and provided an update about her daughter Kaya‘s whereabouts.