'War with Ukraine a crime' Russian pilot tells passengers during in-flight announcement

A Russian pilot has criticised his country’s invasion of Ukraine during a flight to the Turkish city of Antalya over the weekend, calling on the war to end immediately.

Speaking first in Russian and then in English, the pilot, who made it clear that he was speaking for himself and not on behalf of the airline, Pobeda, said the war was "a crime."

"I think each sensible citizen will agree with me and will do everything to make it stop," he said in Russian, as passengers clapped.

The video went viral on social media, as many, including Ukrainian politicians, applauded him for his bravery.

Russian pilot tells passengers that he believes “the war in #Ukraine is a crime,” adding “I think each sensible citizen will agree with me & will do everything to make it stop.” Rare to see public opposition to the war given the potential consequencespic.twitter.com/tBV9jPEiIU 01

— Tomthunkit™ (@TomthunkitsMind) March 13, 2022

"We should not continue this war, we must stop it immediately," he said in English as he ended his in-flight announcement.

Dozens of people have been arrested in Russia for coming out in protest against the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation."

Over 2.5 million have already fled Ukraine and hundreds have died since the conflict began less than three weeks ago, as Russian forces continue to advance. They have closed in on the capital Kyiv from most directions.

The crisis has aggravated a global surge in prices of key commodities, including food and oil, as many countries grow wary over their food security.

Russia and Ukraine provide many countries with most of their wheat and vegetable oil supplies.