Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has concluded a visit to Ukraine as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.
The Danish star announced his departure in a video posted to his Instagram account, showing an air alert map that tracked where attacks were taking place across the country as he prepared to leave.
In the video message, Coster-Waldau explained that it was his final day in Ukraine and that he was heading home. He said he had met extraordinary people and had a wonderful time during his trip, but stressed that the digital map displayed the difficult reality of daily life for people across the nation.
The actor said that while he was fortunate enough to be able to travel back home, Ukrainians did not have that option.
Shelter in the Kyiv metro
During his time in the country, Coster-Waldau spent a night sheltering inside the Kyiv underground rail system because of Russian attacks launched against the capital.
The deep transit tunnels of Kyiv have routinely served as emergency shelters for residents seeking protection during aerial bombardments across the conflict.
While in Ukraine, the actor also met with military veteran Serhii Railian, who lost his sight and both of his legs while fighting on the frontline.
Rehabilitation through pottery
According to the United Nations, Railian underwent more than 30 surgical operations after suffering his injuries and was forced to rebuild his life from scratch.
The United Nations reported that the wounded veteran began practicing pottery as part of a UNDP rehabilitation initiative. Officials said that what started as a form of therapy soon turned into a passion for Railian and provided a vital way to reconnect with the world around him.
Coster-Waldau is best known around the world for his role as Jaime Lannister in the fantasy television series Game of Thrones, appearing throughout the drama's eight seasons.
The actor has served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, an agency tasked with supporting global development, eradicating poverty, and helping communities navigate crisis and recovery.
