Game of Thrones fans are used to seeing Nikolaj Coster-Waldau survive dangerous situations on screen. This week, however, the actor found himself in a very real one.
While visiting Ukraine as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador, the actor was forced to spend the night in a Kyiv metro station alongside local residents seeking shelter from a Russian missile and drone attack threat. Photos obtained by Page Six showed the former Jaime Lannister actor sleeping on a folding cot underground as air raid alerts sounded across the capital.
Quick read:
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau spent a night in Kyiv’s metro.
- The actor sheltered during an air raid threat.
- He was visiting Ukraine as a UNDP ambassador.
The actor sheltered alongside Kyiv residents
According to photos published by Page Six, Coster-Waldau spent the night in a Kyiv metro station on October 28 while Russian missile and drone strike threats loomed over the city. He was photographed lying on a cot wearing a blue UNDP hoodie, cargo pants, and sneakers while other residents sheltered nearby.
The actor later shared his experience on Instagram Stories.
“Spent the night in the Kyiv Metro. Pretty rough night.”
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He used the experience to draw attention to what Ukrainians continue to endure on a regular basis.
“I get to do it one night and tell the tale but there are thousands of Ukrainians it’s a necessity to be safe during the shelling. We need to keep helping the civilians and uphold the rules we all agree on.”
The actor also posted air raid alerts showing Kyiv at red alert status for three consecutive days from October 27 through October 29.
‘Game of Thrones’ star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau spent the night sheltering in a Kyiv metro station during a Russian air raid threat.
“I get to do it one night and tell the tale but there are thousands of Ukrainians it’s a necessity to be safe during the shelling.”
(via: @PageSix) https://t.co/hxOAfRMwI4
— Thrones Updates (@ThronesUpdates) October 30, 2026
Coster-Waldau says Ukraine still needs international support
The visit was part of Coster-Waldau’s ongoing humanitarian work with the UNDP.
In comments reported by Reuters during the trip, the actor explained why he traveled to Ukraine.
“It’s all about raising awareness and making sure people don’t forget that there’s a country that’s holding up well but needs help from the international community, especially now that winter is coming.”
During his time in Kyiv, Coster-Waldau was also spotted riding the metro, visiting local venues, and meeting residents. He attended a performance by Ukrainian war veteran and actor Volodymyr Tuka, later describing the experience as deeply moving.
The actor is best known for portraying Jaime Lannister throughout all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, but he has also served as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador since 2016.
For one night, however, there were no castles or Iron Thrones. Instead, the actor found himself sharing the same reality thousands of Kyiv residents continue to face whenever air raid sirens sound.
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