Viktor Kee, a Chernihiv-born actor with the world-famous Cirque de Soleil performance company, has donated $60,000 for the needs of the Ukrainian army. According to one Ukrainian site, the 45-year old actor traveled around the US to tell his viewers about the tragic situation in Ukraine. At his concerts, he collected money for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Viktor Kee (Kiktev) was born in Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast, into a family of musicians and dancers. As a child, he played in the Udai circus troupe of the Budmash Plant’s performing arts center. In 1989, he joined the Kyiv Academy of Vaudeville and Circus Arts, then moved to France. Today, he lives in Florida.
But the actor never forgot his homeland and even painted his car blue and yellow, with the Ukrainian trident or tryzub on its hood. The words “Help Ukraine” are painted on the car.
According to Viktor’s mother, who also lives in the US, her son initially collected money to help the relatives of those who had died on the Maidan. “First and foremost, the money will be given to the families of Heaven’s Hundred which, in our opinion, are the most in need of financial assistance. While it will not return their loved ones, the money will offer some help,” wrote Larysa Tsybulska. “I wish our country would concern itself with this, and not just Ukrainians who live far from their homeland.”
Translation: Daniel Centore
Edit: Lidia Wolanskyj