The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now entering its fourth week as some estimates say that casualties may have surpassed 10,000 people. All major Ukrainian cities are either captured by the Russian military or encircled and both sides have accused the other of committing war crimes.
Recent developments in peace talks between the two sides indicate that the conflict could end soon as Russia seems ready to moderate its demands and President Zelensky appears ready to give Russia key concessions, such as a promise not to join NATO. With negotiations happening, a celebrity who is only 1 of 22 people that President Vladimir Putin personally follows on Twitter made a personal appeal to to end the war in Ukraine.
Today, ‘Terminator’ Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger made a video asking Vladimir Putin to ‘stop the war’ in Ukraine. He also debunked lies that Putin has used to justify the invasion. Schwarzenegger has a large following in Russia and has made frequent trips there on trade missions.
The New York Times Reports–
I love the Russian people. That is why I have to tell you the truth. Please watch and share. pic.twitter.com/6gyVRhgpFV
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 17, 2022
“In an emotional video posted across social media on Thursday, Arnold Schwarzenegger debunked Russian disinformation about the war on Ukraine and told President Vladimir V. Putin: “You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war.”
The statement, subtitled in Russian, directly addressed the people of Russia, where Mr. Schwarzenegger has long had an immense following, both as an international celebrity and as a politician. As governor of California, he conducted a trade mission to the country.
Mr. Schwarzenegger’s Twitter account, at the time of his video post, was among just 22 followed by the Russian president’s account.
“I am speaking to you today because there are things that are going on in the world that are being kept from you, terrible things that you should know about,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said, citing Russian propaganda.
“Ukraine did not start this war,” he said. “Neither did nationalists or Nazis. Those in power in the Kremlin started this war. This is not the Russian people’s war.”
