Ian McKellen read a poem by Artur Dron — a cultural signal of support on the 4th anniversary of the invasion
A British actor, known as Gandalf, recited a poem by Ukrainian serviceman and poet Arthur Dron on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Why this is more than just an online video — briefly and to the point.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
February 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Event
According to UNN, citing the Facebook page Ukraine WOW, legendary British actor Ian McKellen read a poem by Ukrainian serviceman and poet Artur Dron on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion. The clip circulated online: in the video McKellen recites the poem in English, conveying its emotional depth.
Why it matters
When public figures with authority in the cultural sphere take a step to support Ukraine, it operates on several levels at once. First, it is moral support — a signal to Ukrainian citizens and military personnel that their voice is being heard by the world. Second, it is an informational boost: McKellen’s audience does not necessarily follow Ukrainian media, but will hear the message through his platform. Third, such gestures increase pressure on public opinion abroad, which can influence political decisions and assistance.
About the poem's author
Artur Dron is a poet and writer who has taken part in combat himself. In his works he conveys front-line impressions and personal memories; among his best-known works is the collection "Hemingway Knows Nothing". The very fact that the voice of a military poet reaches an international audience strengthens the truthfulness and authority of the Ukrainian story in the world.
Text of the poem
Love goes on combat duty,
climbs up to the positions
with hernias, with fevers, with prostatitis,
with concussions, with asthma and allergies,
with a high probability
of not returning,
with thoughts of someone
most important.Love endures everything, believes in everything,
hopes for everything, bears all!
— Artur Dron, poem
Context and conclusion
This is not a random demonstration of solidarity: for McKellen, human rights and humanitarian support have been priorities throughout his career. Thus his gesture is part of a broader trend in which cultural leaders act as "amplifiers" for stories meant to shift perceptions abroad. For Ukraine, such signals are important not only emotionally but also practically — they sustain international attention that can translate into political and material support.
Will this voice be heard where decisions are made? The answer depends on how much such cultural signals are backed up by diplomacy and concrete actions from partners.
