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DANCING WITH THE STARS Pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy Helps Ukraine With New Charity

Photo from Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Instagram

DANCING WITH THE STARS Pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy Helps Ukraine With New Charity

By Movieguide® Contributor

The conflict in Ukraine hit close to home for DANCING WITH THE STARS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The Ukrainian dancer recently shared how he’s been helping his homeland during this troubled time. 

Chmerkovskiy was in Kyiv when Russian forces invaded, and he kept fans updated on what was happening in the country, as well as his safety as he attempted to leave. 

“When this whole thing happened. I wasn’t, you know, trying to portray something or, you know, I had an agenda to social media gather or whatever it is,” Chmerkovskiy explained. “I was just little bit like, you know, there’s no other way for me to say — just to say … I’m terrified. You know, I’m … I want to go home, you know, this is insane. What are we doing?”

Chmerkovskiy decided to leave Ukraine after he was arrested on suspicion of being a Russian spy. 

“Somebody grabbed me by the hand, and they suddenly — they pulled me into the building. And I was sort of under arrest because I wasn’t able to present documentation right away,” he recalled. “I realized that it wasn’t without a purpose. It was like they told me that last night, right underneath the hotel where I was, they found — they located, like a Russian spy cell … And so that’s why, the next morning, everything was so heightened.”

Some have wondered why the DWTS pro left Ukraine instead of staying to fight. 

“That’s not my country. Very clear about that,” Chmerkovskiy said. While he was born in Ukraine, the dancer is an American citizen. “[I’ve been] in the United States for the better part of almost 13 years. And I’m proud of it. It was very difficult for me to feel like I’m turning my back on Ukraine.”

In an effort to aid his homeland, Chmerkovskiy started Baranova 27, a charity that has been gathering and distributing clothing, medical supplies and hygienic equipment for those in need.

Movieguide® previously reported on Chmerkovskiy’s time in Ukraine:

DANCING WITH THE STARS Maks Chmerkovskiy posted several videos to his Instagram account live from Ukraine.

“I’m in Kyiv, contrary to what I probably should’ve done a while ago … and not that no one saw this coming, but everybody was hoping that the finality of this situation would be averted, that there wasn’t going to be these kind of aggressive measures,” Chmerkovskiy said.

“In 2022’s civilized world, this is not the way we do things,” he said as he prepared to go down to a bomb shelter. “I think the Russians need to get up and actually say something, because no one’s opinion is being heard. This is all one man’s ambition of something, and however convenient it sounds in Moscow, however comfortable you are where you are in Russia, I just don’t think this is the right thing.”

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.