Russian celebrities — including athletes, actors and Eurovision stars – also publicly denounced the invasion, putting their careers on the line great risk due to heavy government influence in the entertainment industry. In an Instagram videopopular singer Valery Meladze pleaded for an end to the invasion.
“History will be the judge of these events,” Meladze said. “But today, please, please stop the war.”
On Wednesday, just before the start of the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a televised speech calling for peace and underlining the close ties between Russia and Ukraine.
“This is our land. This is our history. Why are you fighting and with whom? Zelenski said. “Many of you have been to Ukraine. Many of you have family in Ukraine. studied in Ukrainian universities. Some have made friends with Ukrainians. You know our character. You know our people. You know our principles.
Zelensky also spoke directly to the Russian people, urging them to stand with Ukraine and let their own government know they don’t want war.
“I know that my speech will not be broadcast on Russian television, but Russian citizens should see it. They should know the truth, and the truth is that it has to stop before it’s too late,” he said. “And if the Russian leadership doesn’t want to sit down at the table with us for peace, perhaps they will sit down with you. Do the Russians want war? I would like to answer this question, but the answer depends only on you.