Schwarzenegger in message to Russian people, urges them to see past government lies

Hollywood star and former California GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is urging Russians to hear "the truth" about Russian President Vladimir Putin and his invasion of Ukraine.

"The strength and the heart of the Russian people have always inspired me," the Austrian-born Schwarzenegger said Thursday in a nine-minute address on social media. "That is why I hope that you will let me tell you the truth about the war in Ukraine and what is happening there.

"No one likes to hear something critical of their government, I understand that. But as a longtime friend of the Russian people, I hope that you will hear what I have to say."

The 74-year-old Schwarzenegger invoked the memory of his father, a member of the Nazi party, whom he said "arrived in Leningrad ... all pumped up on the lies of his government." 

"When he left Leningrad, he was broken – physically and mentally," he said. "He lived the rest of his life in pain. Pain from a broken back, pain from the shrapnel that always reminded him of those terrible years. And pain from the guilt that he felt. To the Russian soldiers listening to this broadcast, you already know much of the truth that I’m speaking. You’ve seen it in your own eyes. I don’t want you to be broken like my father."

The former bodybuilder dispelled the notion that the purpose of the Russian invasion is to "denazify Ukraine." He discussed the illegality of Russia's actions and the targeting of civilian buildings, including a maternity hospital. 

"The world has turned against Russia because of its actions in Ukraine," Schwarzenegger also said. "The destruction that Russian bombs are raining down on innocent civilians has so outraged the world that the strongest global economic sanctions ever taken have been imposed on your country ... . This is not the war to defend Russia like your grandfather or your great-grandfather fought. This is an illegal war!

"To those in power in the Kremlin, let me just ask you: Why would you sacrifice these young men for your own ambition?"

To the Russians protesting the actions of their government in Ukraine, Schwarzenegger said: "You have been arrested. You have been jailed and you have been beaten. You are my new heroes ... . You have the true heart of Russia."