NewsAdult film star raises awareness for wounded Ukrainian soldiers
Adult film star raises awareness for wounded Ukrainian soldiers
In a heartfelt photo session, 29-year-old Yulia Senyuk, better known as Josephine Jackson, took part. The Ukrainian leveraged her popularity among adult internet users to fundraise for Ukrainian soldiers who suffered limb loss in the conflict with Russia.
9:26 AM EDT, March 25, 2024
"I aimed to spotlight the issue of rehabilitation following war wounds. While many gather funds for drones, injured soldiers are often overlooked. I believe I managed to underscore this issue and inspire people to donate towards prosthetics," Yulia Senyuk shared with Politico.
Hailing from Lviv, the 29-year-old gained notoriety as an adult film star and earns her living by appearing in soft porn movies produced abroad. She has become the ambassador of the "Titanium Rehabilitation" initiative, which supports Ukrainian veterans receiving treatment in a clinic in Kyiv.
The adult film star took part in two photo sessions featuring Ukrainian soldiers who had undergone amputations as a result of the war. These campaigns aim to raise awareness about the urgent need for prosthetic funding for many Ukrainians who have lost limbs during the Russian invasion.
Oksana Zholnovich, Ukraine's Minister of Social Policy, noted that the government can essentially meet these needs. This year, over 4.5 billion hryvnias (approximately $150 million) were allocated for rehabilitation aid. However, foundations report that as many as 59,000 Ukrainians are in dire need of limb prosthetics. Government programs struggle to keep pace, and though donations help, there's not enough money for facilities equipped with the latest technology.
Thus, Senyuk eagerly participated in the charity effort. She was involved in an innocent, fully clothed photo session with veterans in a pool and also attended meetings with patients at the prosthetic clinic.
Adult film star turns ambassador for a foundation focused on soldier rehabilitation
"At first, I was unsure how to interact with them. But then I chose to behave normally and avoid placing undue focus on their lost limbs. We simply allowed ourselves to be photographed," the actress explained.
The soldiers were thrilled. The star humbly stated that she's not an expert in rehabilitation, but she tries to lift the soldiers' spirits by visiting the hospital and engaging in light conversations with the veterans. She distracts them from war-related topics by sharing humorous anecdotes from her professional life. "They find my stories to be interesting and amusing," the Ukrainian adult film actress remarked.
According to the portal, her involvement has received both praise and criticism. Senyuk faces backlash on social media from conservatives for "immorality" and "gaining fame at the expense of mutilated soldiers."
Anton Ivantsev, who lost both hands and a leg in the battle of Bakhmut, participated in the photo sessions and defended the actress. "Her status as a media personality has helped shine a light on our struggles. She's a patriot who supports her country. I don't mind her type of content. Whether you choose to watch it is up to you," the veteran commented.
Source: Politico
