Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to the senseless war against Ukraine.
The actor also praised Russians who are standing up and protesting the conflict. He called them ‘new heroes’.
“Ukraine did not start this war. I’m speaking to you today because there are things going on in the world that are being kept from you, terrible things that you should know about,” Arnold said in an emotional message.
The actor also recalled his affection for the Russian people when he filmed the movie ‘Red Heat’ in Moscow when he was 14 years old.
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“The strength and the heart of the Russian people have always inspired me. That is why I hope that you will let me tell you the truth about the war in Ukraine,” he said.
“I know that your government has told you that this is a war to ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine. This is not true. Those in power in the Kremlin started this war. This is not the Russian people’s war,” the ‘Terminator’ star added.
The actor said Russia is now isolated from the world because of this war.
“The world has turned against Russia because of its actions in Ukraine — whole city blocks have been flattened by Russian artillery and bombs, including a children’s hospital and a maternity hospital. Because of its brutality, Russia is now isolated from the society of nations,” he said.
Arnold also recalled his father’s experience fighting during World War II.
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“He was broken physically and mentally and lived the rest of his life in pain. To the Russian troops listening to this broadcast… I don’t want you to be broken like my father,” he said.
“This is not the war to defend Russia that your grandfathers or your great-grandfathers fought. This is an illegal war. Your lives, your limbs, your futures have been sacrificed for a senseless war condemned by the entire world,” he added.
Arnold issued a closing message to Putin.
“You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war<“ he said.
