Mila Kunis ‘So Honored’ Her Kids ‘Can Carry On’ Her Ukrainian Roots

Mila Kunis has never felt more proud of her Ukrainian heritage. The 39-year-old actress, who is proud of her Ukrainian heritage, has been outspoken in her support for the country amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

“My parents and I communicate in Russian, so [my children] have grown up with it. They are naturally proud to be half Ukrainian. To be honest, I’m very American. I grew up in Los Angeles “said the Hollywood star, who has two children with Ashton Kutcher: Wyatt, eight, and Dimitri, six.

“Having said that, I’ve never been more proud to be Ukrainian. I’m so grateful that my children will be able to carry on that legacy. When you’re a kid, all you want to do is fit in. As bad as so many things are in the world today, the ‘You’re different, and that’s a good thing’ sense of identity is novel. That makes me happy.”

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, personally thanked Mila for her vocal support. However, the actress has known him for nearly a decade. Mila told PEOPLE about their first meeting: “About eight years ago, a remake of [the Ukrainian series ‘Servant of the People’] was being shopped around Los Angeles.”

“I had a deal with ABC and was desperately trying to get the show on the network. We were eventually outbid, but in the process, I met an actor named Zelenskyy. Years later, while reading the news, I noticed that Ukraine had a new president. ‘A Jewish president?’ I wondered. Best wishes! That name seems very familiar.’ I went through my emails and realized, ‘I know him!’ Our own little fling.”