Actor Richard Gere condemns Russia's war on Ukraine during Riga film visit
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Richard Gere spoke out against Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine (Photo: LTV Ziņu dienests/YouTube/video screenshot)
American actor Richard Gere expressed his support for Ukraine and spoke out against Russia’s war of aggression during an interview with LTV in Riga on June 9.
Gere visited Riga, Latvia, to present his new film about the Dalai Lama.
When asked how he, as a Buddhist, views Russia's war against Ukraine, Gere stated that he finds it difficult to understand Vladimir Putin's motives but considers the conflict a colonial war.
“To have any kind of legitimacy, you have to rewrite history,” Gere said. “And Putin is clearly doing that, saying: ‘There never was Ukraine, there never was a Ukraine language, there never was a Ukraine culture. It’s completely made up – it’s false.”
The actor compared Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to the situation in Tibet: “It’s exactly what the Chinese have done with Tibet, [saying] ‘There never was a Tibet, there never was a Tibetan culture.’ You have to destroy history to create legitimacy.”
The host also asked Richard Gere how exactly he helps Ukrainians, to which the actor replied: “I’ve been able to give resources. I’ve been able to talk. There’s something I’m working on right now, which is reading poetry <...>”
“I’ve been reading poetry from Tibetans about their situation. A Palestinian poet that was incredible. I’m working on one right now with a Ukrainian poet. But I think speaking about these things [wars – ed.] and calling them out is deeply important.”
The actor sold his rare 1999 Jaguar XK8 Convertible in 2022 and donated the money to charitable foundations that help Ukraine. He also took part in the Concert for Ukraine charity event, which took place at New York's Carnegie Hall in May of 2022.
Gere also participated in the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit where he spoke out against Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine.
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