Liev Schreiber and Andriy Shevchenko visit Ukraine in international appeal


  • English
  • Arabic

American actor and activist Liev Schreiber and former Ukrainian football star Andriy Shevchenko visited Kyiv on Monday and called for the international community to increase its donations to Ukraine.

The two also paid a visit to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his offices in Kyiv.

Appearing outside a residential area near Kyiv that has suffered extensive damage from Russian bombardment, the Isle of Dogs and Ray Donovan star toured the neighbourhood of Borodyanka.

  • Former Ukraine footballer Andriy Shevchenko and American actor Liev Schreiber stand surrounded by destroyed buildings in Borodianka, near Kyiv. AP
    Former Ukraine footballer Andriy Shevchenko and American actor Liev Schreiber stand surrounded by destroyed buildings in Borodianka, near Kyiv. AP
  • Andriy Shevchenko exchanges fist bumps with Liev Schreiber. AP
    Andriy Shevchenko exchanges fist bumps with Liev Schreiber. AP
  • The pair survey residential buildings which have been destroyed by Russia bombardment. AP
    The pair survey residential buildings which have been destroyed by Russia bombardment. AP
  • Schreiber and Shevchenko are both ambassadors of the UNITED24 fundraising platform. AFP
    Schreiber and Shevchenko are both ambassadors of the UNITED24 fundraising platform. AFP
  • Schreiber visits the town of Borodianka. Reuters
    Schreiber visits the town of Borodianka. Reuters
  • Schreiber has Ukrainian heritage. Reuters
    Schreiber has Ukrainian heritage. Reuters
  • Shevchenko and Schreiber are just a few of the celebrities to visit the war-torn country. Reuters
    Shevchenko and Schreiber are just a few of the celebrities to visit the war-torn country. Reuters
  • This is Schreiber's second visit to Ukraine. AFP
    This is Schreiber's second visit to Ukraine. AFP
  • Schreiber poses for a selfie with a fan. AFP
    Schreiber poses for a selfie with a fan. AFP

“People see it as a one-time thing. But as you can see, people live with it every day,” Schreiber said.

It is his second visit to the war-torn country. In May, the actor, who has Ukrainian roots, met people in bomb shelters and co-founded BlueCheck Ukraine, which vets and expedites financial support to charities.

“Then the president asked if I could help with his initiative, United24, in the position of medical aid and also to really help get the word out, because the reality is that raising money right now is very, very difficult,” Schreiber said.

The two surveyed a damaged apartment tower block in Borodyanka, 50 kilometres north of Kyiv.

Borodyanka is in the Bucha area, where hundreds of dead civilians were discovered after the Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said 16,000 residential buildings were damaged in the area.

“You can see these people are living with it every day. So it has to be, there has to be some kind of incentive to get them to give more and to get them to give consistently,” Schreiber said.

  • A Ukrainian soldier inspects a burnt Russian tank in Dmytrivka, Kyiv region. Getty Images
    A Ukrainian soldier inspects a burnt Russian tank in Dmytrivka, Kyiv region. Getty Images
  • Ukrainians who fled to Mexico amid Russia's invasion of their homeland arrive at a shelter near the US border, in Tijuana, Mexico. Reuters
    Ukrainians who fled to Mexico amid Russia's invasion of their homeland arrive at a shelter near the US border, in Tijuana, Mexico. Reuters
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks from Kyiv. AP
    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks from Kyiv. AP
  • A woman hugs a Ukrainian soldier after a convoy of military and aid vehicles arrived in the formerly Russian-occupied Kyiv suburb of Bucha. AP
    A woman hugs a Ukrainian soldier after a convoy of military and aid vehicles arrived in the formerly Russian-occupied Kyiv suburb of Bucha. AP
  • Shrapnel marks are seen on the statue of a child after shelling that hit the Gorky amusement park, in Kharkiv. Reuters
    Shrapnel marks are seen on the statue of a child after shelling that hit the Gorky amusement park, in Kharkiv. Reuters
  • A Ukrainian soldier walks next to a military vehicle, outside Kyiv. AP
    A Ukrainian soldier walks next to a military vehicle, outside Kyiv. AP
  • A man distributes toilet paper rolls as people wait for medicine and sanitary supply handouts in the formerly Russian-occupied Kyiv suburb of Bucha, Ukraine. AP
    A man distributes toilet paper rolls as people wait for medicine and sanitary supply handouts in the formerly Russian-occupied Kyiv suburb of Bucha, Ukraine. AP
  • A woman cooks on an open fire outside an apartment building, in Bucha. AP
    A woman cooks on an open fire outside an apartment building, in Bucha. AP
  • A Ukrainian soldier check streets for booby traps after Russian troops withdrew from Bucha. AP
    A Ukrainian soldier check streets for booby traps after Russian troops withdrew from Bucha. AP
  • Graves of residents who died during the Russian invasion, in front of residential buildings in the areas recaptured by the Ukrainian army, in Kyiv. EPA
    Graves of residents who died during the Russian invasion, in front of residential buildings in the areas recaptured by the Ukrainian army, in Kyiv. EPA
  • Destroyed Russian military vehicles on a street in Kyiv. EPA
    Destroyed Russian military vehicles on a street in Kyiv. EPA
  • A Ukrainian soldier walks by the wreckage of the Antonov An-225 Mriya aircraft , the world's largest cargo airplane and relic of the Soviet space programme, which was destroyed during fighting in Hostomel, Ukraine. AP
    A Ukrainian soldier walks by the wreckage of the Antonov An-225 Mriya aircraft , the world's largest cargo airplane and relic of the Soviet space programme, which was destroyed during fighting in Hostomel, Ukraine. AP
  • Ukrainian soldiers shout patriotic slogans with the Antonov An-225 in the background. AP
    Ukrainian soldiers shout patriotic slogans with the Antonov An-225 in the background. AP
  • Yulia Dyrda, who sustained arm injuries from Russian shelling, recovers at a hospital in Chuhuiv, Ukraine. Getty Images
    Yulia Dyrda, who sustained arm injuries from Russian shelling, recovers at a hospital in Chuhuiv, Ukraine. Getty Images
  • Residents stand next to a stuck Russian tank, in Nova Basan. Reuters
    Residents stand next to a stuck Russian tank, in Nova Basan. Reuters
  • The mother of Lt Oliynyk Dmytro, 40, mourns his death during his funeral ceremony, after the soldier was killed in action, in Lviv, western Ukraine. AP
    The mother of Lt Oliynyk Dmytro, 40, mourns his death during his funeral ceremony, after the soldier was killed in action, in Lviv, western Ukraine. AP
  • Ukrainian refugees rest in the ticket hall at Przemysl Glowny train station, Poland. Reuters
    Ukrainian refugees rest in the ticket hall at Przemysl Glowny train station, Poland. Reuters
  • A dog walks past the wreckage of a Russian armored personnel carrier, in Dmytrivka, Kyiv region. Getty Images
    A dog walks past the wreckage of a Russian armored personnel carrier, in Dmytrivka, Kyiv region. Getty Images
  • Ukrainians ride bicycles past destroyed cars in the town of Bucha, north-west of the capital Kyiv. Reuters
    Ukrainians ride bicycles past destroyed cars in the town of Bucha, north-west of the capital Kyiv. Reuters
  • Buildings damaged by shelling in the town of Makariv, in Kyiv region. Reuters
    Buildings damaged by shelling in the town of Makariv, in Kyiv region. Reuters
  • A woman carries her dog during an evacuation in the town of Irpin outside Kyiv. Reuters
    A woman carries her dog during an evacuation in the town of Irpin outside Kyiv. Reuters
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a video update in which he said the situation in east of the country remained extremely difficult. Reuters
    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a video update in which he said the situation in east of the country remained extremely difficult. Reuters
  • The Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, England, illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Reuters
    The Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, England, illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Reuters
  • Russian soldiers destroyed this bridge as they withdrew from a village on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
    Russian soldiers destroyed this bridge as they withdrew from a village on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
  • A child wrapped in a rescue emergency blanket crosses the border into Medyka, south-eastern Poland. AP Photo
    A child wrapped in a rescue emergency blanket crosses the border into Medyka, south-eastern Poland. AP Photo
  • Flowers lay on a Ukrainian armoured vehicle destroyed during fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
    Flowers lay on a Ukrainian armoured vehicle destroyed during fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
  • Damaged houses and a burnt-out Russian armoured vehicle on the outskirts of Kyiv. AFP
    Damaged houses and a burnt-out Russian armoured vehicle on the outskirts of Kyiv. AFP
  • Ukrainian soldier Dasha, 22, checks her phone after a military sweep to search for Russian troops after their withdrawal from villages in the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
    Ukrainian soldier Dasha, 22, checks her phone after a military sweep to search for Russian troops after their withdrawal from villages in the outskirts of Kyiv. AP Photo
  • Ammunition scattered on the ground next to a Ukrainian armoured car destroyed in fighting outside Kyiv. AP Photo
    Ammunition scattered on the ground next to a Ukrainian armoured car destroyed in fighting outside Kyiv. AP Photo

A number of Hollywood stars have visited Ukraine during the war, including Angelina Jolie, Sean Penn and Ben Stiller, and most recently Oscar-winning actress Jessica Chastain.

Others have helped from afar, such as Hollywood couple Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, who created a GoFundMe that raised almost $37 million for refugees this year.

Kunis was born in Ukraine and moved to the US when she was 7.

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch hosted a refugee family in his home, while Leonardo DiCaprio donated $10m.

Celebrities in Ukraine — in pictures

  • US Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie comforts a young victim of the Kramatorsk railway station missile strike in Lviv children's hospital, in Western Ukraine on April 30, 2022. EPA
    US Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie comforts a young victim of the Kramatorsk railway station missile strike in Lviv children's hospital, in Western Ukraine on April 30, 2022. EPA
  • This handout picture taken on August 7, 2022 shows the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, posing with US actress Jessica Chastain before a meeting in Kyiv. AFP PHOTO / Ukrainian Presidential press-service
    This handout picture taken on August 7, 2022 shows the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, posing with US actress Jessica Chastain before a meeting in Kyiv. AFP PHOTO / Ukrainian Presidential press-service
  • Jolie interacts with a child at the main railway station during her visit to Lviv. Reuters
    Jolie interacts with a child at the main railway station during her visit to Lviv. Reuters
  • Zelenskyy, right, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Ben Stiller shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv on June 20, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
    Zelenskyy, right, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Ben Stiller shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv on June 20, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
  • Stiller walks past a damaged building as he visits the Lypki neighbourhood in Irpin, Ukraine. Reuters
    Stiller walks past a damaged building as he visits the Lypki neighbourhood in Irpin, Ukraine. Reuters
  • US President Joe Biden, right, stands with Spanish chef Jose Andres, founder of nonprofit organisation World Food Kitchen (WCK), after meeting refugees of Russia's war with Ukraine at PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland on March 26, 2022. AFP
    US President Joe Biden, right, stands with Spanish chef Jose Andres, founder of nonprofit organisation World Food Kitchen (WCK), after meeting refugees of Russia's war with Ukraine at PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland on March 26, 2022. AFP
  • Jose Andres is seen on a screen giving a pre-recorded acceptance speech for receiving The Sophia Award for Excellence 2022 from Ukraine, while he works there to feed those affected by the war on March 31, 2022. EPA
    Jose Andres is seen on a screen giving a pre-recorded acceptance speech for receiving The Sophia Award for Excellence 2022 from Ukraine, while he works there to feed those affected by the war on March 31, 2022. EPA
  • US actor and director Liev Schreiber prepares meals in the kitchen of the World Central Kitchen, for war refugees from Ukraine staying in Przemysl, Poland on April 15, 2022. EPA
    US actor and director Liev Schreiber prepares meals in the kitchen of the World Central Kitchen, for war refugees from Ukraine staying in Przemysl, Poland on April 15, 2022. EPA
  • Sean Penn attends a press briefing at the Presidential Office in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Reuters
    Sean Penn attends a press briefing at the Presidential Office in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Reuters
  • Zelenskyy, centre, talking with Sean Penn, right, next to President's office head Andriy Yermak during their meeting in Kyiv on June 28, 2022. AFP PHOTO / Ukraine's presidential press-service
    Zelenskyy, centre, talking with Sean Penn, right, next to President's office head Andriy Yermak during their meeting in Kyiv on June 28, 2022. AFP PHOTO / Ukraine's presidential press-service
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: August 16, 2022, 3:44 PM