Arnold Schwarzenegger’s video message appealing to Russians to learn “the truth” about the country’s invasion of Ukraine has attracted the wrath of Kremlin-run TV channels.
Supporters of Vladimir Putin’s invasion are now attacking the actor for his comments in the powerful video message to Putin asking him to “stop this war” between Russia and Ukraine.
Initially, the 74-year-old’s video was ignored by Russian news channels. However, it quickly collected millions of views not just on Twitter but also on Telegram, widely used in Russia, prompting the TV anchors to talk about it.
TV host Vadim Gigin said on his television show, Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovievon:
“That face is the cover page of American imperialism and colonialism,”
“Not the caricature image of Uncle Sam, but this Schwarz, in a Hollywood production.”
“He, in California, will tell us, who live here… the truth? That is their approach towards us,”
The iconic actor had called out the Russian President in a nine-minute video he posted to his Twitter account. Watch below:
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
After speaking about his history with Russia, his personal feelings on the conflict and calling for it to stop, he spoke directly to the President:
‘to president putin, i say: you started this war. you are leading this war. you can stop this war’
He had a message of a praise for those who were protesting the war in Russia on home turf, despite the looming threat of arrest:
‘The world has seen your bravery. We know that you have suffered the consequences of your courage. You have been arrested. You have been jailed. And you have been beaten. You are my new heroes.’
The actor, bodybuilder and former Governor of California was the very first Western film star to make a movie in Moscow with Red Heat in 1988, as the country came to the end of the Cold War with Russia.
