Who is Anastasiia Lenna, ex-Miss Ukraine who 'took up arms'?
Anastasiia Lenna (31), a former winner of a Miss Ukraine pageant, has reportedly taken up arms in a bid to stand strong against Russia's invasion of her country. Taking to Instagram, the influencer has shared an image in military gear, holding a gun. She also has been urging her 278K followers to help Ukraine in the war. Here's what we know about her.
She is a marketing and management graduate
Lenna, who hails from Kyiv, reportedly began modeling at the tender age of 13. The ex-Miss Ukraine also went on to represent her nation at the 2015 Miss Grand International beauty contest. Apart from acting/hosting, she's a marketing and management graduate from Slavistik University, Kyiv. Her prowess includes knowing five languages, using which she worked as a translator and public relations manager in Turkey.
Here's more on the TV host
Ever since Russia declared war on Ukraine, the actor has been posting on social media quite frequently in support of her country. "Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!" read the caption of one of her Instagram posts. As soon as she posted her picture in a military outfit, reports started suggesting she had joined Ukrainian army.
Has Lenna joined the Army?
With multiple reports suggesting Lenna had joined the forces, the pageant winner clarified her stand. Posting a video of conflict, she wrote: "I'm not military, just a woman, just normal human." She revealed she didn't do propaganda and only wanted to display the strength of women through her posts. Speaking against the invasion, she reiterated, "Stop war in Ukraine! No people should die! (sic)."
Are her pictures from airsoft games?
Whether Lenna has officially joined the army remains cloudy. According to her, all the images she posted posing with firearms and battle gear were actually from her airsoft games and were done "to inspire people." Airsoft is a popular team game where candidates try eliminating opposite team players by shooting them with spherical plastic projectiles using mock weapons called airsoft guns.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged citizens to volunteer in war
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged citizens to volunteer to defend their country. According to reports, thousands of civilians have actually taken up arms. Ukrainian Member of Parliament Kira Rudik had shared her image holding a firearm. She vouched to "protect our soil."
