Arnold Schwarzenegger Reaches Out To Russians In Viral Anti-War Video

When thinking of international diplomacy, Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger may not be the face that comes to mind immediately.

Intriguingly, the former California governor shared a video addressing the Russian public on the “harsh realities” of its invasion of Ukraine, and the video has since gone viral—even trending on the country’s Twitter topics last week. 

In the video, Schwarzenegger told Russians they were being led astray with misinformation, and what they were being told about the nation’s invasion of Ukraine was inaccurate. 

“You started this war, and you can stop it,” he said directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

By uploading the plea onto Twitter, Schwarzenegger could have a direct line to the eyes and ears in the Kremlin, considered his account is followed by both its official Russian- and English-language accounts. 

To connect with the audience, he shared personal stories from his childhood, mentioning his father had fought as part of the Nazis in World War II on the wrong side of the war, and was in “terrible pain” for the rest of his life. 

According to the BBC, the former governor’s attempt at speaking out has been praised by Russians who are opposed to the war. 

Lev Shlosberg, an opposition politician in the country, had said on Telegram that he felt the video was filmed “with respect.” 

“Arnold Schwarzenegger has a unique ability to talk to anyone with persuasion, respect, and on equal terms. Wits, power, and justice. Have a listen. Think about it. Understand,” Shlosberg said. 

An important distinction, as pointed out by journalist Anton Orekh, was the the message did not come with any “Russophobia.”

“We are outcasts in the world … Arnold is one of the few people who addressed Russians not as savage orcs, but as good people who have lost their ways,” he explained. 

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

[via BBC and The Washington Post, cover image via Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock.com]