Actress Maria Bakalova Calls Ukraine-Russia War 'Heartbreaking', Voices Support For Ukrainian Fighters

Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova, who starred in the "Borat" sequel alongside Sacha Baron Cohen, has called the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war "heartbreaking" and voiced her support for Ukrainian fighters for defending their independence and democracy.

"We all can agree that what’s going on is insane and crazy and just heartbreaking," the 25-year-old actress told Deadline at the 27th Critics' Choice Awards red carpet, which was held in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Bakalova noted that she is Eastern European and supports Ukrainian fighters. "I am Eastern European. My country and hometown are just a few miles away from Ukraine," she added. "I truly support them. I see all the Ukrainian fighters— their bravery, their resilience."

The actress went on to explain that these fights are doing nothing but “defending their independence and democracy,” which is important for every single nation. "The right to vote, the right to choose your government—even people from Russia," she said.

Bakalova further said that as an artist, all she can do is "bring more attention" of the world towards her region and "create this exchange in cultural and artistic ways between Eastern Europe and Hollywood," adding, "that’s been fundamental for us in the first half of the 21st century."

"If we can make even a small difference, we have to try," she said. "Unfortunately, it’s happening now in Eastern Europe, but this could happen anywhere. If it’s possible, I hope the people of Ukraine know that we are with them, we see them. We stand with them. Our hearts are with them."

As of Sunday, the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner revealed that 596 people have lost their lives in the war and at least 1,067 have sustained injuries.

During the award ceremony, the actress presented the Best Supporting Actor award. One of the fans shared a photo of the actress on the red carpet via Twitter.

On the work front, Bakalova will be next seen in an untitled TV series and will also feature in a TV miniseries, "Freedom or Death." She will also appear in two movies, "The Bubble" and "The Honeymoon."