World leaders, we need you to speak up for refugees: Priyanka Chopra on Ukraine crisis

International icon Priyanka Chopra has made a direct plea to all world leaders to "stand up for refugees throughout the world" amid the continuing Russian military campaign in Ukraine.

On Friday, the Bajirao Mastani actress shared a video on her Instagram account in which she stated, 

"This is a direct appeal to world leaders: we need you to respond to the call from activists and advocates fighting to help the humanitarian and refugee catastrophe unfolding in Eastern Europe every day. We urge you to act quickly to assist displaced people in Ukraine and throughout the world."

Priyanka wrote in the description of the video that we can't just sit back and do nothing.

"World leaders, we need you to speak up for refugees throughout the world to guarantee that they get the help they need today".

After the people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk requested assistance in defending themselves, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24. Following the military action, western countries levied a wave of sanctions aimed at the Russian economy.

More than 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees have now fled the country since the Russian invasion, the United Nations said in its latest update, adding that the humanitarian situation was worsening. 

Many of the world's top artists, entertainers, athletes, and advocates have also joined the global social media rally on Friday to raise billions in aid for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and support refugees worldwide.