Arnold Schwarzenegger Invokes His Nazi Father in Emotional Message to Russia

[Uncle Joe]

(snip)

Schwarzenegger details how the fighting was instigated by Russia in February, explaining that the invasion has been declared illegal by 141 countries, that many civilian buildings (such as a maternity hospital) have been bombed, that there’s now a massive refugee crisis and that thousands of Russian soldiers have died.

“The world has turned against Russia because of its actions in Ukraine,” he 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!”

In a rarity for the Austria-born actor, Schwarzenegger also candidly invoked his father’s dark history as a Nazi sergeant when addressing the Russian government’s false claims that its troops are engaged in the “de-nazification” of Ukraine.

“[My father] was injured at Leningrad, and the Nazi army he was part of did vicious harm to the great city and to its brave people,” he said. “When my father arrived in Leningrad, he was all pumped up on the lies of his government. When he left Leningrad, he was broken — physically and mentally. 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.”

Link to tweet

(snip)

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/arnold-schwarzenegger-russia-ukraine-1235113643/

[Earthrise]

1. Zelinski's father's three brothers were murdered by the Nazis (3:40 - 3:50)

The memory of Zelinski's righteous uncles is a blessing.

Now I feel that I understand more about the source of Zelinski's strength - his father, his family, his faith.

[hlthe2b]

2. An honorable act to use his celebrity for this. I can only hope it is successfully circulated to

those who need to hear this.

[eShirl]

3. The Governator is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. (n/t)

[lagomorph777]

4. I understand this is actually trending in Russian social media.

I hope he gets the message across.

[Uncle Joe]

5. I believe

with Arnold's personal history and popularity there, it will have great impact in regards to Russian awareness.