Russian and Ukrainian beauty queens call out Putin's attack on Ukraine
Beauty queens of Russian and Ukrainian descent are slamming Russian Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine.
Talking about the ongoing attack, Miss World 2008 Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia on her now-deleted Instagram story said she is "ashamed" and "bitter" to be Russian at this time.
"How is your morale??? I am in a state of pain, fear, grief, and uncertainty. I can't believe my eyes that this is happening to my homeland now. For the first time in my life I am ashamed and bitter to be Russian. We don't want war! Peace to us all."
Miss Universe Ukraine 2021 Hanna Nepliakh, meanwhile, shared a photo of herself in front of a building that has a sign that says "All you need is" while holding a sign: "Peace in Ukraine."
She captioned it: "Yesterday was a special day 22022022 to make a wish. All Ukrainians ordered one thing, I'm among them: #allyouneedispeace."
She followed this post with another one recalling the chilling day the Russian troops first invaded their country.
Nepliakh said she woke up from hearing gunshots from outside her window.
"Today I woke up at 5 am from shots. I would never have thought that living in a civilized society where everyone is shouting about diplomacy, I would write a message to my loved ones ‘the war has begun’. Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. Ukrainians don’t want war! We want a peaceful sky and the integrity and independence of our territories,” she said.
Fellow Miss Universe 2021 queens expressed their support in the comment section.
"Sending many prayers sister. May you and your family remain safe #prayforukraine," said Miss Universe Puerto Rico Michelle Marie Colon.
Miss Universe Finland Essi Unkuri wrote: "I'm so sorry, my prayers go out to you #prayforukraine"
Mexico's Debora Hallal also left yellow heart and praying emojis on the comments.
Nepliakh also appealed for help to her country. She has been posting updates through her Instagram Stories and has called for donations for the Ukranian Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the Miss Supranational organization has earlier announced that it will be banning Russia from sending in a representative for their next pageant. They said that they are choosing "to stand up for freedom and unity."