Actor Sean Penn , who is filming a documentary about Ukraines fight against the Russian invasion, loaned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy one of his Oscars as a symbol of faith until the enemys defeat.

Penn, returning to Ukraine for his third wartime visit, presented Zelenskyy with the statue this month in the presidents Kyiv office, according to footage posted on the Ukrainian leaders Telegram channel .

Its just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here then Ill feel better and strong enough for the fights, Penn told Zelenskyy during their sit-down.

Zelensky politely declined the gift, but Penn insisted.

When you win, bring it back to Malibu, because Ill feel much better knowing theres a piece of me here, he said.

With that, Zelenskyy relented.

We have to win, he said.

The video also shows Zelenskyy presenting Penn, who was recently sanctioned by the Kremlin alongside fellow actor Ben Stiller , with Ukraines Order of Merit medal, recognizing his significant contribution to the country.

This is not from me, Zelenskyy told him. Its from Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also posted the video on Instagram.

American actor and film director Sean Penn @seanpenn came to Ukraine for the third time during the full-scale war already, Zelenskyy wrote . This time our meeting was special. Sean brought his Oscar statuette as a symbol of faith in our victory of our country.