As someone who loves Russia and has promoted Russian art and culture all my professional life, I decry the catastrophic, cruel and senseless war being waged by Putin in Ukraine. My heart is with Ukraine and her people, as well as with all those in Russia and Belarus whose hearts and minds protest. I join the call for an end to the lies, misinformation and false narratives that have so directly led to this bloodshed, for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and for peace.