The “Terminator” and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a video in English with Russian subtitles on Thursday to encourage Russian protesters who oppose their nation’s invasion of Ukraine, calling them “my heroes.”
Schwarzenegger is in a unique role to encourage those standing against Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he was the first Western actor to appear in a film in Moscow.
“I love the Russian people. That is why I have to tell you the truth. Please watch and share,” Schwarzenegger wrote alongside his video featuring English and Russian subtitles.
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
The nine-minute video features the actor and former governor building rapport and showing respect for the Russian people. He also debunks the lie that Russia’s war is an attempt to “denazify” Ukraine.
“I know that your government has told you that this is a war to denazify Ukraine. Denazify Ukraine? This is not true. Ukraine is a country with a Jewish president,” Schwarzenegger said.
Those who have stood against Putin and the Russian government’s war efforts were honored through Schwarzenegger’s words.
“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,” he said in the video.
In the video, Schwarzenegger said words personally directed to Putin. “To President Putin, I say: You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war.”
Another post noted the video was also made available on Telegram to watch and share with those in Russia. Twitter has been blocked across Russia since March 4.
You can and anyone you know also find this on my new Telegram channel if that is easier: https://t.co/sk8vndJqKm
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 17, 2022
When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Schwarzenegger took to Twitter to post his initial reactions.
“My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. I have been asked to do several interviews, but I believe the news should continue to focus on what’s happening on the ground – on the tragedy that has broken our hearts and on the courage of the Ukrainian people that has inspired us,” he said.
“I am not a foreign policy expert, so I will leave the analysis to smarter people than me. I do know what it’s like to grow up after a war, in an occupied country, and I know that in war and its aftermath, no one wins. Everyone suffers,” he added.
“War has a way of breaking the winners along with the losers,” he explained.
“I have Ukrainian friends and fans and I have Russian friends and fans. As far as I can tell, none of them want this. I hope sanity will eventually prevail and end this unnecessary war before too many lives are broken,” Schwarzenegger added.
“In the meantime, I stand with the people of Ukraine. I share your grief and your hope for peace. You inspire me with your bravery and your humanity in the face of this nightmare. God bless you,” he concluded.
My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. I have been asked to do several interviews, but I believe the news should continue to focus on what’s happening on the ground – on the tragedy that has broken our hearts and on the courage of the Ukrainian people that has inspired us.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 25, 2022
The popular thread of posts even led to a reply from Ukraine’s parliament. “Thank you for your support!” their account wrote.
Thank you for your support!
— Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (@ua_parliament) February 25, 2022