[WATCH]: Arnold Schwarzenegger tells Russian soldiers “the truth”

On Thursday, Arnold Schwarzenegger appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the “senseless” war in Ukraine.

“I’m speaking to you today because there are things going on in the world that are being kept from you, terrible things that you should know about,” the former California governor said in the touching nine-minute video.

The Terminator star also praised Russians who are protesting the conflict between the countries and called them his “new heroes”

Arnorld Schwarzenegger’s relationship with Russia

The former bodybuilding champion started his video message with a personal story of how his relationship started with Russia when he was 14-years-old and met his idol, Russian weightlifter Yuri Vlasov.

Schwarzenegger’s film “Red Heat” was also the first American movie that was allowed to be filmed in Moscow’s Red square. And so, he began to form a bond and a admiration for the people of Russia.

“The strength and the heart of the Russian people have always inspired me,” he said. “That is why I hope that you will let me tell you the truth about the war in Ukraine.”

Schwarzenegger appeals to Russian troops

Schwarzenegger explains to the Russian troops that the reasons they believe they are attacking Ukraine is not true.

“I know that your government has told you that this is a war to ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine,” he said. “This is not true. Those in power in the Kremlin started this war. This is not the Russian people’s war.”

He then proceeded to explain why the rest of the world has turned against Russia in a hope to stop the killing of innocent people.

“[The] world has turned against Russia because of its actions in Ukraine — whole city blocks have been flattened by Russian artillery and bombs, including a children’s hospital and a maternity hospital.

“Because of its brutality, Russia is now isolated from the society of nations,” he said.

A message directly to Vladimir Putin

Schwarzenegger then tried reaching the Russian troops on a more emotional and personal level by remebering how his father suffered during World War II, being forced to fight for the Nazis.

“He was broken physically and mentally and lived the rest of his life in pain,” he said. “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,” he said. “This is an illegal war. Your lives, your limbs, your futures have been sacrificed for a senseless war condemned by the entire world.”

Schwarzenegger then addressed Putin directly and said, “You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war.”

And finally he ended the message off by acknowledging the risk Russian protesters are taking in hopes to end the conflict.

“The world has seen your bravery,” he said. “You are my new heroes.”

Watch the full message below:

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