'Justice and democracy for Ukrainians': Hayden Panettiere speaks out about her loyalty to fiance's troubled homeland
It would seem the troubles in Ukraine haven’t gone unnoticed by the Hollywood A-list as former Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has waded in on the debate.
The star told Cosmopolitan UK: ‘I spend a lot of time in Ukraine and I completely agree with what Wladimir [her Ukrainian heavyweight-boxer fiancé] and Vitali are fighting for; we want justice and democracy for Ukrainians.’
The troubles in Ukraine have been widely publicised of late, with the Ukrainian population still very much divided between those who are loyal to bordering country Russia and the population who are pro-Europe.
A-list politics: Hayden Panettiere spoke out about her views on Ukraine saying she wanted 'justice' for the troubled country
Speaking of her hunky Eastern European boyfriend of six years, Wladimir, Hayden revealed it was his intelligence that first attracted her to the 6ft6 boxer.
‘You could be the most beautiful man on the planet, but if you have nothing to back that up then there is nothing sexy about you.
‘I want to be with somebody who opens my eyes to the world and helps me to become a better person in every way.
She added: ‘Wladimir is not just a boxer; he’s smart [he has a PhD in philosophy and sports science] and caring. It’s been a ride!’
But it wasn’t a Hollywood beginning to their romance, as the star described it wasn’t love at first sight for the loved-up couple.
Educated lovers: Speaking of her hunky boyfriend of six years, Hayden revealed it was his intelligence that first attracted her to the 6ft6 boxer
Deep-thinking star: Hayden said, 'I want to be with somebody who opens my eyes to the world and helps me to become a better person in every way'
The pair met in 2008 at a party and have on-and-off been dating ever since, despite the 13 year age gap.
‘We were friends for a year first. On paper, a relationship between the two of us looked crazy. From where we live to where we come from, the differences in our lives are fairly big.
‘On the surface, everything about us is unalike. But at our core, our morals and goals in life are very similar, so our differences become a lot less terrifying.
She gushed: ‘I’m in awe of what he does and who he is – that’s a very strong feeling. He doesn’t let me get away with things; he has the patience of a saint, but he is definitely no shrinking violet.’
The star announced her engagement to the ripped Ukrainian star on Love With Kelly And Michael, an American TV show, in October last year.
As the pretty Hollywood star held a snake around her neck, she revealed a large diamond ring on her wedding finger. When quizzed about the jewelry, she admitted she was engaged –albeit in a rather coy manner.
But she told Cosmopolitan she and Wladimir are in no rush to get married:
‘We are very laid-back about the wedding plans; we don’t want to rush anything. We want the day to be fun, happy and stress-free.
‘Growing up, the thought of not getting married never crossed my mind. It was always: I’m going to get married and then I’m going to have a family.’
The full interview appears in the April issue of Cosmopolitan, on sale 4th March. Also available in digital edition on Apple Newsstand.
For further exclusive content, please go to www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/hayden
The happy couple: Hayden announced her engagement to Wladimir in October when she flashed a huge engagement ring on American TV
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