Ben Stiller denies USAID funded Ukraine trip: ‘These are lies coming from Russian media'
Ben Stiller has denied social media reports that his humanitarian trip to Ukraine was funded by USAID, dismissing the claims as Russian 'lies.'
Over the weekend, the US Agency for International Development was targeted for dissolution by Elon Musk, who labeled it as a criminal enterprise on his social media platform X.
The site also hosted several viral posts related to the agency, including one that included a fake E! News video and claimed that US tax dollars had been spent sending celebrities to Ukraine. The post claimed Angelina Jolie's visit had cost taxpayers $20 million, Sean Pean's had cost $5 million and Ben Stiller's cost $4 million.
In an X post from his own account, Stiller denied the claim.
'These are lies coming from Russian media,' wrote the Zoolander star.
'I completely self-funded my humanitarian trip to Ukraine. There was no funding from USAID and certainly no payment of any kind. 100 percent false.'
Stiller visited Ukraine in June 2022, where he met those affected by the ongoing war with Russia.
During a meeting with President Zelensky, Stiller shook Zelensky's hand and said: 'Sir, really nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time. You're my hero.'
He added that he was inspired by Zelensky, 'for what you've done in this country and for the world'.
The pair also shared a lighter moment, with Stiller complimenting the President on his 'great acting career'. Zelensky responded 'Not as great as you,' and laughed.
In a video posted to his Instagram account at the time, Stiller said: 'Hey, I'm Ben Stiller, and I'm here in Ukraine. I'm meeting people who've been impacted by the war and hearing how it's changed their lives. War and violence are devastating people all over the world. Nobody chooses to flee their home. Seeking safety is a right and it needs to be upheld for every person.'
In August of that year, Stiller reflected on his time in Ukraine and said he was 'really taken by the resilience of the people of Ukraine, and of the president.'
'His incredible sense of how he has risen to the moment and offered his people leadership and true resolve to get through this awful situation.'
Stiller had visited the country on World Refugee Day as part of his long-term role as a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.
Speaking about the 'overwhelming' experience of seeing the consequences the war has had for Ukrainian people, Stiller said: 'There are seven or eight million people, just within the country, who have been displaced.
'It's just so overwhelming when you see the reality of it.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Maya Jama's boyfriend Ruben Dias flies out to Love Island to take her on romantic date
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAYA Jama's boyfriend Rúben Dias has jetted out to Love Island's Mallorca base for a romantic date night. The ITV2 host, 30, and Manchester City ace Rúben, 27, have been dating since the end of last year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Maya Jama headed on a sweet date night with Rúben Dias after he flew out to Love Island to take her on a romantic date Credit: Instagram 7 They were seen in the car travelling to a swanky eatery Credit: Instagram 7 Maya, 30, and her man tucked into a tasty steak Credit: Instagram She met the defender in September at the MTV Europe Music Awards, two months after announcing her split from rapper Stormzy. The couple's relationship is going from strength to strength and now he has headed to the holiday resort for a swanky dinner. Maya captured herself travelling in a car before she danced around to a tune on the radio in the passenger seat. She looked glam for her night out, styling her raven locks into waves and opting for fresh make up, with statement earrings to accessorise. In the swanky restaurant, she captured a server chopping up steak tartre and wrote in her caption: "Only just got into this raw s***. "Still bugs me out." Another slide then saw her about to tuck into a more well-done steak, served up with tomatoes and chips. Their happy night came after the first beauty booted out from the 2025 ITV2 matchmaking series came to light, in what was a busy night for Maya. The Love Island anchor and Ruben were spotted for the first time together in public on New Year's Eve, when they shared another romantic dinner. A source at the time said: 'Maya and Ruben swapped details at the EMAs and have chatted since, but things went up a gear in early December. Love Island 'reveals' first bombshell as Maya Jama gets special message from new Islander in surprise twist 'When Ruben got injured and had to miss the congested new year fixtures, he jumped at the chance to see in 2025 with Maya in Spain. ROMEO RUBEN Ruben is no stranger to romantic displays. In April, Maya returned home to a bouquet of roses following a recent holiday. Maya added no caption to the image slide, simply holding the red blooms up to the camera. And it's not the first time she's been treated to an impressive floral selection as back in January, the former Radio 1 DJ showcased another selection of roses with fans claiming "they're from Ruben." NEXT STEPS The Sun was recently first to report how the loved-up pair were getting serious, and had taken their relationship to the next level. A source said: 'Maya and Rúben are getting more serious and she has met his mum Bernadette. 'She is very happy and in a great place in her personal life and her career. "It's shaping up to be a very exciting year for Maya.' She also shared her first picture with her footballer man as they enjoyed a pre Love Island break in Italy. Earlier in the week, Maya uploaded a short clip and wrote: "perv cam," as Ruben could be seen rubbing sun tan lotion on his body while in swimming shorts. Recently, it was also revealed Maya has started taking Portuguese lessons. Speaking about her take on relationships previously, Maya said: 'I'm such a lover but I am a big leaver as well. 'I know what makes me happy and I know what I like — and this is no disrespect to anyone I've been in a relationship with, but if it's not that then I will leave it. 'I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better, otherwise I am not really on it.' 7 They also tucked into steak tartare Credit: Instagram 7 Maya has cut a glam figure on the current Love Island season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 7 The pair recently shared their first picture together Credit: Instagram
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Wynne Evans issues update and admits he's 'a bit smug'
Wynne Evans issues update and admits he's 'a bit smug' The Welsh TV and radio star made the announcement on Instagram weeks after confirming he would not be returning to his BBC show Wynne Evans has announced he is engaged in a post to fans on his Instagram (Image: Western Mail ) Wynne Evans has announced he is engaged in a post to fans on his Instagram. The Strictly contestant and opera singer, 53, proposed to his girlfriend Liz Brookes last weekend during a romantic getaway to Marrakesh in Morocco. Announcing the news to his 92,400 followers on Instagram, Evans joked his partner had "excellent taste in men" and admitted he was feeling "a tiny bit smug" after popping the question. He said: "Big news… I got engaged! "This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) "She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are. "Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug." Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below It comes following a turbulent few months for Evans after it was confirmed he had been axed from his popular BBC radio show months after he was caught making a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January. The opera singer confirmed the BBC would not be renewing his contract, saying at the time: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted." Evans maintains that his remark was a nickname for his Strictly co-star Jamie Borthwick, and not a derogatory or sexual term used towards professional dancer Janette Manrara. Liz Brookes, Evans' now-fiancée, is a business owner from Cardiff. Her business is Grapevine Event Management which organises corporate events across Wales. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter The pair are believed to have met each other in early 2024. She often sat in the audience for the Strictly Come Dancing live shows last year and shared a sweet snap with him after one show, saying she was "proud." Evans was inundated with messages congratulating him and his partner after the announcement. One fan said: "Wow wow wow this is amazing news! llongyfarchiadau." Another added: "Congratulations, some happy news after a tough start to the year." Article continues below
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I've found the perfect summer top from M&S, and I'm even more excited now I can finally shop there online again
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. The top also comes in black FRINGE BENEFITS I've found the perfect summer top from M&S, and I'm even more excited now I can finally shop there online again IT can be heard to find a versatile top to style up for day or night without resorting to the same old T-shirt. So it's no wonder there's a new option from Marks & Spencer that has fashion fans all excited. Advertisement 3 Mum-of-two Irene took to Instagram to share her new M&S fringe top Credit: Instagram/renewearsfashion 3 She teamed the top with some wide-legged cream trousers and metallic sandals Credit: Instagram/renewearsfashion 3 The £35 number also comes in black Credit: M&S Mum-of-two Irene is among them, and took to her Instagram page to share a look at the top in question. The £35 option comes in cream or black, and features a "classic round neckline" and button up back. But it's the detail on the hem that really ups the wow factor - a gorgeous fringe trim. "How cute is this top from Marks & Spencer?" Irene captioned her Instagram Reel. Advertisement In the video, she teamed the cream top with a pair of wide-legged cream trousers, metallic sandals and a straw beach-style bag. She added some cute jewellery and wore her hair in loose, beachy waves. And other people were quick to add to Irene's praise of the top. "Love this!" one wrote. Advertisement As another agreed: "It's truly cute!" "Fringe trims give this elegant top a fun, free-spirited twist," M&S said of the Collection top on their website. Shoppers run for summer's 'wow factor' denim jacket in M&S, it's set to go viral "The textured detailing adds movement and flair, perfect for lifting everyday outfits." Shoppers haven't been able to nab anything from M&S online for over a month, following a damaging cyber attack over Easter weekend in April. Advertisement Personal data of customers, which may have included names, email addresses, dates of birth and postal addresses, was taken in the attack - after which M&S halted online orders. But now the outlet is once again accepting online orders on certain products - with "more of our fashion, home and beauty products will be added every day", John Lyttle, M&S managing director of clothing, home and beauty, said. In a statement posted on social media, he added: "We will resume deliveries to Northern Ireland and Click and Collect in the coming weeks. "Thank you sincerely for your support and for shopping with us." Advertisement Luckily enough, the fringe top is one of the products available to buy from the M&S website now. However, due to demand, delivery will take around 10 days.
