Russians Protest Invasion Of Ukraine Regardless of Crackdowns On Dissent

Russian celebrities — together with athletes, actors, and Eurovision stars — have additionally publicly denounced the invasion, placing their careers at great risk because of the authorities’s heavy affect within the leisure business. In an Instagram video, well-liked singer Valery Meladze pleaded for an finish to the invasion.

“Historical past would be the choose of those occasions,” Meladze mentioned. “However as we speak, I encourage you, please cease the struggle.”

On Wednesday, simply earlier than the invasion started, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a televised speech calling for peace and highlighting the shut ties between Russia and Ukraine.

“That is our land. That is our historical past. What are you preventing for and with whom?” Zelensky mentioned. “Lots of you have got been to Ukraine. Lots of you have got relations in Ukraine. Some have studied in Ukrainian universities. Some have made associates with Ukrainians. You already know our character. You already know our folks. You already know our ideas.”

Zelensky additionally instantly addressed the folks of Russia, urging them to face with Ukraine and let their very own authorities know they do not need struggle.

“I do know that my deal with to you received’t be proven on Russian tv, however the residents of Russia ought to see it. They need to know the reality, and the reality is that this must cease earlier than it’s too late,” he mentioned. “And if the management of Russia doesn’t wish to sit down on the desk with us for the sake of peace, possibly they are going to sit down on the desk with you. Do Russians need struggle? I want to reply that query, however the reply relies upon solely on you.”