French film legend to interview Zelensky – media

Alain Delon will reportedly talk to the Ukrainian president on Friday

French movie icon Alain Delon will join TV host Cyril Viguier to interview Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky on September 23, French media have reported.

The Ukrainian leader will talk to several French news outlets ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly. Viguier, a veteran journalist with the TV5Monde network, will lead the media crew in Kiev, while Delon, Viguier’s longtime acquaintance, will be joining them remotely from France, according to reports.

The 86-year-old actor made a rare public appearance earlier this week to express his support for Ukraine against Russia. Delon said in a recorded interview on Viguier’s program on Monday that he was “deeply saddened and touched” by the conflict and that he was “fighting” for the Ukrainian people.

He also recited a poem by the 19th century Ukrainian writer Taras Shevchenko, who is considered a key figure for Ukrainian statehood. Titled ‘Testament’, the work is one of Shevchenko's most famous. It expresses his wish to be buried in Ukraine and for its people to then rise up, break their chains and sprinkle their freedom with the blood of their enemies.

READ MORE: Iconic French actor wants to end his life by euthanasia

Delon suffered a stroke several years ago and is reportedly considering ending his life by euthanasia in Switzerland, where it is legal.