Game of Thrones Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Takes Shelter in Kyiv Metro

 

Hollywood actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau experienced a night in one of Kyiv's underground shelters after seeking safety in a metro station amid warnings of possible Russian missile and drone attacks.

The Danish actor, widely recognised for portraying Jaime Lannister in HBO's Game of Thrones, spent the night of Wednesday, October 28, alongside residents of the Ukrainian capital. Photographs published by Reuters on Thursday showed him resting on a folding bed inside the station.

Coster-Waldau wore a blue United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hoodie, khaki trousers and black trainers. He also had a backpack and another bag containing his personal belongings.

Sharing his experience on Instagram Stories, the 56-year-old described the night as difficult.

"Spent the night in the Kyiv Metro. Pretty rough night," he wrote.

He also reflected on the difference between his experience and the daily reality of Ukrainians who regularly depend on underground shelters during air raids.

"I get to do it one night and tell the tale but there are thousands of Ukrainians it's a necessity to be safe during the shelling. We need to keep helping the civilians and uphold the rules we all agree on," he added.

Reuters also shared a video in which the actor explained that his visit was intended to keep international attention on Ukraine and the challenges facing its people.

He said continued assistance was important, particularly with winter approaching, adding: "They're doing amazing but they need help from the international community, especially now that we're getting closer to winter."

Kyiv experienced heightened air raid warnings between October 27 and 29, according to reports. The city's underground metro stations have served as public shelters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Coster-Waldau has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP since 2016. His work with the organisation has involved raising awareness of issues including climate change, gender equality and poverty reduction.

He also supported the 2022 Stand Up for Ukraine campaign, which called for assistance for people displaced by the war.

His overnight experience offered a glimpse into the precautions ordinary Ukrainians continue to take whenever air raid warnings raise the threat of attacks.