Film producer Arnold Schwarzenegger has denounced Russian state propaganda amid the war in Ukraine, warning troops that Vladimir Putin has “lied” to them.
In the nine-minute video uploaded to Twitter, the former Governor of California made an impassioned appeal for Moscow's military to overcome government disinformation and not become like his Nazi dad.
Describing himself as a "longtime friend of the Russian people", he said he hoped they would let him “tell the truth about the war in Ukraine".
Mr Schwarzenegger said: "There are things going on in the world that are being kept from you, terrible things that you should know about.
"I know that your government has told you that this is a war to 'de-Nazify' Ukraine. This is not true. You see, Ukraine did not start this war. Neither did nationalists or Nazis. Those in power in the Kremlin started this war. This is not the Russian people's war."
He continued: “The Russian government has lied not only to the citizens, but to its soldier."
Arnold Schwarzenegger's video posted on social media
Arnold Schwarzenegger/Twitter
Arnold Schwarzenegger's video posted on social media
Arnold Schwarzenegger/Twitter
The 74-year-old Terminator star implored Russian soldiers to avoid becoming like his “broken” dad who deeply regretted serving as a member of the Nazi Party in World War 2.
The video, accompanied by Russian subtitles, explained: "When my father left Leningrad, He was broken physically and mentally and lived the rest of his life in pain. To the Russian troops listening to this broadcast, I don't want you to be broken like my father.
"This is not the war to defend Russia that your grandfathers or your great-grandfathers fought. This is an illegal war. Your lives, your limbs, your futures have been sacrificed for a senseless war condemned by the entire world."
In the video, he went on to address president Putin directly.
He said: "You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war."
Mr Schwarzenegger’s post also included videos and images of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country and tearful families saying their goodbyes.
He spoke fondly about times he visited Russia during his movie career and that his childhood hero was Russian heavyweight weightlifter and Olympic gold medalist Yuri Vlasov.
Mr Schwarzenegger added a message for Russians who have risked their safety and protested against the war.
He said: "The world has seen your bravery. We know that you have suffered the consequences of your courage.
"You are my new heroes. You have the strength of Yuri Petrovich Vlasov. You have the true heart of Russia."
The video on Twitter was accompanied with the caption: "I love the Russian people. That is why I have to tell you the truth. Please watch and share."
