Actress Katheryn Winnick is widely known for her portrayal of Lagertha in the hit historical drama Vikings. Her character—a fierce shield maiden and warrior—stood shoulder-to-shoulder with male counterparts on the battlefield, embodying strength, courage, and resilience. Offscreen, Winnick shares much of that same tenacity. A martial artist since childhood, she earned her first black belt at just 13 years old and went on to open three martial arts schools in Toronto before the age of 21. But even with all her real-life and onscreen toughness, Winnick says nothing compares to the bravery she’s witnessed in the people of Ukraine.
For Winnick, the war in Ukraine isn’t just another distant headline—it’s personal. With deep family roots in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian invasion strikes at the heart of her identity. Her heritage has fueled her activism and her vocal support for Ukrainian sovereignty, and she has consistently used her platform to raise awareness about the war. Recently, she issued a heartfelt warning against what she describes as “Ukraine war fatigue,” a phenomenon where the global community, worn down by the relentless stream of bad news, begins to shift its focus elsewhere.
“We can’t forget,” Winnick urges. Her message is a call to action—a plea for people around the world to stay engaged, informed, and supportive of Ukraine’s fight for freedom and survival. She has seen firsthand the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people, describing their spirit as nothing short of heroic. For Winnick, no fictional battle scene could ever match the real-life courage displayed by Ukrainians defending their homeland under dire circumstances.
Since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022, Winnick has been an outspoken advocate for Ukraine, leveraging her celebrity status to keep the crisis in public view. She has attended rallies, participated in fundraising efforts, and regularly shares updates and messages of solidarity on social media. Her activism is rooted not just in empathy but in a personal connection to the land and its people. Her family’s heritage informs her sense of responsibility to speak out.
Winnick’s call to resist apathy is timely. As conflicts continue to drag on, global attention tends to drift. News cycles move forward, and public interest can wane. But for those living through the war, the struggle is daily and relentless. Winnick reminds the world that complacency is not an option. The people of Ukraine are still fighting for their lives, homes, and freedom—and they need the continued support of the international community.
Her message is clear: wars don’t end when the headlines fade. The world must stand with Ukraine until peace is achieved, no matter how long it takes. For Winnick, it’s not about politics or celebrity activism—it’s about human decency, justice, and honoring her ancestral ties. And just like Lagertha on the battlefield, she refuses to back down.