Arnold Schwarzenegger Shows Support For Protesters In Ukraine [Video]
Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to show his support for anti-government protesters in the Ukraine with a recent video message posted to YouTube and Facebook.
The video arrived courtesy of politician and UDAR leader Vitali Klitschko, a man who opposes Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. According to reports, Klitschko attempted to solve the problems plaguing the capital city of Kiev by meeting up with Yanukovych.
“I want to send a message to the people of the Ukraine to let them know that I wish them all the best of luck in their peaceful struggle for democracy and freedom. Peace!” Arnold Schwarzenegger said in his recorded message.
The Terminator star isn’t the only celebrity to recently show their support for protesters in the Ukraine. George Clooney and Quincy Jones also issued videos on the matter. Senator John McCain spoke to a group of demonstrators in December of last year.
Clashes over the past five days have taken its toll on the region. Once he started losing control of administration buildings in the western part of the country, President Viktor Yanukovych decided to make concessions to protesters. This reportedly includes amending anti-protest laws and reshuffling certain elements of the government.
According to activists, five people died during a particularly violent clash with authorities on Sunday. While Yanukovych said he would continue talks with protesters, he reiterated that he would certainly use “all legal methods” to deal with the situation if the problems persist.
While President Yanukovych claimed he made concessions, some protesters feel that he isn’t doing enough to fix the issue. The situation became violent again Friday when demonstrators began throwing molotov cocktails while police fired back with stun grenades.
“I feel deceived. We waited all day for a result of the negotiations and we got nothing. I have fear now but have even more fear for the future,” one protester explained.
Although world leaders have urged the Ukrainian president to stop the violence and hold talks to resolve the issues, nothing seems to have worked thus far. Reports suggest that authorities were ordered to fire on protesters, an act that was condemned by France and Germany’s Ukrainian ambassadors.
Protesters currently control administrations in six regions in the western part of the country, including Ternopil, Rivne, Khmelnytsky, and Chernivtsi. Demonstrators reportedly stormed an administration building in Ivano-Frankivsk on Friday.
What do you think about Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, and other Hollywood celebrities showing their support for protesters in the Ukraine?
[Image via Wikimedia Commons]
