Angelina Jolie’s driver-bodyguard has admitted he has been sent to a military training centre before going to fight in the war.
There was controversy when Dmytro Pyshchikov, 33, was grabbed from the Hollywood star’s motorcade close to the war zone in Ukraine and taken to an enlistment office.
His claims that he was escorting an “important” visitor were ignored. Pyshchikov insisted he had an exemption from a call-up due to a spinal condition.
But now he has admitted he has been conscripted.
“The plan is to complete training and serve in the army,” he shared. This followed Pyshchikov being held out of contact at the army’s Territorial Recruitment Centre (TRC).
In a video after his release, he told worried followers that “nothing terrible happened.” He assured, “Friends, don’t panic. Everything is fine.”
“I didn’t run away or hide from anyone….” he added. Ukraine is forced by Russia’s aggression to recruit all the men it can to defend the country. Pyshchikov said earlier that his exemption was not being taken seriously.
“When I asked why I was being detained, the police officer couldn’t answer me,” he said. “My documents were in order. I had a recent medical examination certificate and was not wanted by the police.
“I had recently arrived from the Donetsk region and had no problems. For some reason, I was detained at this checkpoint without explanation and asked to go with them to clarify some details. It turns out it was a deception,” he continued.
Angelina was visiting Ukraine with the Legacy of War Foundation, a British-based charity founded by photographer and triple amputee Giles Duley, 54.
“The people of Mykolaiv and Kherson live with danger every day, but they refuse to give in,” she said.
“At time when governments around the world are turning their backs on the protection of civilians, their strength, and their support for each other is humbling.
“After nearly four years of conflict, exhaustion is visible, yet so too is determination. Families want safety, peace, and the chance to rebuild their lives.”
As she left the country, the Tomb Raider star was thanked by Ukrainian border guards for backing the country in their fight for survival.
The 7th Border Detachment presented her with a set of national symbols and the emblem of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as a “token of gratitude”.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
