Arnold Schwarzenegger as passionately spoken out about the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Terminator actor, 74, took to social media on Thursday to urge Russia’s government, military and citizens to end the violence towards their neighbouring country.
Speaking in a nine-minute video, the former Governor of California said he was a “a longtime friend of the Russian people”, as he urged Vladimir Putin to stop the war in his passionate plea.
“To President Putin, I say, you started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war,” the star directly addressed the Russian leader.
The unprovoked invasion of neighbouring Ukraine by Russian forces on the command of the Russian President has sparked bloodshed and chaos.
Since the attack begun last month, many Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homeland and seek refugee in other countries.
Arnold Schwarzenegger posted his passionate plea across numerous platforms on Thursday
“I love the Russian people. That’s why I have to tell you the truth,” Arnold captioned his video message across various social media platforms on Thursday.
Addressing his message to his “dear Russian friends and the Russian soldiers serving in Ukraine”, the actor explained how he would be discussing some “harsh realities” throughout his broadcast.
Before proceeding, Arnold explained how he wanted to talk about “the Russian who became his hero” throughout his childhood.
Arnold shared his passion plea in the hope of it being spread far and wide
The actor included subtitles in his video message in the hope Russian people will see it
The former bodybuilder recalled idolising Petrovich Vlasov, a champion weightlifter from Russia , as a young child growing up in Austria – having a picture of him up on his wall.
Arnold explained how his father – a well-known member of the Nazi party who served in World War II – didn’t approve of his son supporting a Russian athlete.
“He didn’t like Russians, because of his experiences in the second World War,” he continued.
“My father told me to take down the picture and to find a German or Austrian hero, but I did not take down the photograph, because it didn’t matter to me what flag Yuri Vlasov carried.”
After sharing some more stories about his connections to Russia, he then went on the share the “harsh realities” he mentioned earlier.
The actor directly address Putin at one point in his broadcast
“No one likes to hear something critical of their government, I understand that, but as a long-time friend of the Russian people, I hope that you will hear what I have to say,” Arnold continued.
