Culture

Recalling Nazi Father’s Service, Schwarzenegger Pleads to Russians: Don’t Fight ‘Illegal War’

March 18, 2022Mac Caltrider
Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger called on Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine, equating it with the Nazi invasion of Russia in Word War II. Composite by Coffee or Die Magazine.

In a now-viral video posted across multiple media platforms Thursday, March 17, Arnold Schwarzenegger begged Russia to end its war against Ukraine. During the nine-minute video, Schwarzenegger pleads for his “dear Russian friends” to accept the truth that Russia is waging a criminal war, comparing it to the Nazi invasion of Russia in World War II. 


“The strength and the heart of the Russian people have always inspired me. That is why I hope you will let me tell you the truth,” Schwarzenegger says. 


The action star and former governor of California highlights the falsity of Russian propaganda and rhetoric, which claim the invasion is an attempt to de-Nazify Ukraine. Schwarzenegger points out how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish and that three of Zelenskyy’s uncles were killed by Nazis in WWII. Reinforcing the dangers of such lies, Schwarzenegger describes how his father was duped into thinking that, in fighting for Nazi Germany, he was fighting for a righteous cause. 



“When my father arrived in Leningrad, he was all pumped up on the lies of his government. And when he left Leningrad, he was broken physically and mentally. He lived the rest of his life in pain,” Schwarzenegger says. “To the Russian soldiers listening to this broadcast, you already know much of the truth that I am speaking. You have seen it with your own eyes. I don’t want you to be broken like my father.”


Schwarzenegger praises Russian citizens for risking their lives to protest the war and calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end it. But the primary focus of the message remains on the Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.


“This is an illegal war. Your lives, your limbs, your futures are being sacrificed for a senseless war condemned by the entire world,” Schwarzenegger says.


In a single day, the nine-minute video spread rapidly across the internet, which Schwarzenegger hopes will break through Russia’s attempt to control its own false narrative of the invasion and reach Russian citizens and soldiers.


Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine but was quick to praise Russian citizens who are openly criticizing the war. Wikimedia Commons photo.

“I regret to tell you that thousands of Russian soldiers have been killed. They have been caught between Ukrainians fighting for their homeland and the Russian leadership fighting for conquest,” Schwarzenegger says, disputing Russia’s claim that it’s suffered fewer than 500 soldiers killed in action. 


The short video ends with Schwarzenegger praising Russian citizens who openly condemn the war.


“You are my new heroes. […] You have the true heart of Russia.”


Read Next: After 3 Decades, Cal Guard Still Helping Ukraine, This Time Against Russians



Mac Caltrider
Mac Caltrider

Mac Caltrider is a senior staff writer for Coffee or Die Magazine. He served in the US Marine Corps and is a former police officer. Caltrider earned his bachelor’s degree in history and now reads anything he can get his hands on. He is also the creator of Pipes & Pages, a site intended to increase readership among enlisted troops. Caltrider spends most of his time reading, writing, and waging a one-man war against premature hair loss.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Curtis LeMay
Curtis LeMay: The World War II General Who Firebombed Japan

Who exactly was Gen. Curtis LeMay? And how did he become the commander who razed more than 60 Japanese cities during World War II?

eric smith marine corps commandant nominee
Highly Decorated Marine Officer Nominated To Be Next Commandant

President Joe Biden has nominated a highly decorated Marine officer who has been involved in the transformation of the force to be the next Marine Corps commandant.

USS Arizona
Profile of a Ship: USS Arizona

When the USS Arizona sank, it took 1,177 crew members with it. Today it remains beneath the water as a memorial to all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

b1 bombers bosnia
US Bombers Fly Over Bosnia in Sign of Support Amid Continued Secessionist Threats

A pair of U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew low over Sarajevo and several other Bosnian cities...

SR-71 Blackbird
SR-71 Blackbird: The Spy Plane That Could Outrun Missiles

Lockheed Martin’s SR-71 Blackbird was a government secret for years. Now retired, a newer version plans to take its place.

medal of honor recipient remains returned
Missing 73 Years, Medal of Honor Recipient's Remains Return To Georgia

Soldiers of the 9th Infantry Regiment made a desperate retreat as North Korean troops closed in arou...

dear jack
Dear Jack: My Battalion Is Out of Control

In this installment of “Dear Jack,” Marine veteran and amateur life coach Jack Mandaville advises a lieutenant colonel on how to restore order in the lower ranks.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Request a Correction
  • Write for Us
  • General Inquiries
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved