Oscars: Hollywood Addresses Ukrainian Conflict

In his acceptance speech for best supporting actor, Jared Leto — the night’s first winner — addressed the residents of Ukraine, calling them a group of dreamers.

“I want to say we are here, and as you struggle to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible, we’re thinking of you tonight,” Leto said.

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Hostilities continue to rise in the Ukraine after months of conflict. When anti-government riots turned violent, former leader Viktor Yanukovych fled the country, only to promise his impending return.

In Yanukovych’s absence, the Russian army presented the Ukraine with an ultimatum that demanded Ukrainian soldiers disarm or Russia would attack the bases in the semi-autonomous Crimea peninsula.

Russia since has seized and taken operational control of the region.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk declared that the country was “on the brink of disaster” Sunday, according to the Wall Street Journal.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry plans to travel to the troubled nation to try to help alleviate tension.