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'War in Ukraine is a crime': Passengers applaud as Aeroflot pilot shares message in viral video

'I think the war in Ukraine is a crime. We should not continue this war, we must stop it immediately. Don't support this bloodshed,' said the pilot

An unidentified Russian airline pilot working for Pobeda (a subsidiary of Aeroflot) announced that the war in Ukraine is 'a crime' as he spoke to his passengers through the loudspeaker. After the plane landed in Antalya, Turkey, the captain left the cockpit and made his way into the passenger cabin, where he delivered the message through the loudspeaker.

"Dear customers, this is your captain speaking. Just speaking on behalf of myself and not as a representative of the airline, I think the war in Ukraine is a crime. We should not continue this war, we must stop it immediately. Don't support this bloodshed. Thank you for your attention," the pilot said, after which the passengers burst into applause.

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The clip has gone viral on social media, where it has been reposted several times. Many users expressed concern for the safety of the pilot, whose message against Russia will likely lead to strong repercussions if he returns to the country. "A Russian pilot tells passengers that he believes 'the war in Ukraine is a crime,' adding 'I think each sensible citizens will agree with me and will do everything to make it stop.' Rare to see public opposition to the war given the consequences such a statement will have," tweeted Pjotr Sauer, a reporter for the Guardian.

One user tweeted, "An honorable action he did. Hope he will be safe after this." Another said, "Passengers applauding made me start to cry. There's hope!!" A third wrote, "That is a strong man. Ukrainians I speak to know there's people like him in Russia and don’t blame all of the people. The war needs to stop. Nobody wins."

A fourth commented, "This pilot speaks for so many Russian people who are not allowed to speak freely in there own country." A fifth said, "Does he expect to live after making that announcement? If this is legitimate I really as admire his courage to speak truth to power." A sixth felt, "So shines a good deed in a weary world. I think it was incredibly brave, given the threats he faces at home for speaking out. I hope calmer heads will prevail and this mess will end peacefully, not only for Ukraine but for Russian civilians too. #StandWithUkraine."

One tweet read, "Wow, this is courage! There are huge consequences for Russian people who speak up like this, especially when he said that the war in Ukraine is a crime. Respect!" Another said, "Brave man. Hope he stays safe." A third commented, "Bless this brave, Russian pilot! #StandWithUkraine," while a fourth mentioned, "Rare indeed. Yet it's comforting to see that there still are decent men in Russia, who have courage (and brains!) to do the right thing... Wishing to see more courageous people like him. #StopRussia #StandWithUkraine."

Ukrainian diplomat Olexander Scherba tweeted, "'Ladies and gentlemen, here is your captain speaking. Welcome to Antalya. Thank you for flying with Pobeda. Also, from me personally: the war with Ukraine is a crime...' This brave [Russian flag emoji] pilot makes a statement. #StandWithUkraine️." Meanwhile, Russia has banned free speech and the sharing of information relating to the war.

The pilot was flying for the airline Pobeda, a subsidiary of Russian airline Aeroflot, which recently suspended all its flights to the European Union and the United Kingdom. This happened after the European Union placed a blanket ban on Russian-owned aircraft entering its airspace, reports Daily Mail.