A Russian model and actor said his relationship with his mother was ruined because of his advocacy on behalf of Ukraine, an example of how the war in Russia has torn families and friends apart.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, Jean-Michel began posting about the conflict on his social media accounts.
His educational efforts did not sit well with his mother, a Putin supporter. His mother blocked him after he wrote on social media that he was ashamed of his country.
She told me on Facebook that I was a traitor and that I had made my choice.
He told CNN that he was inspired to start posting about the war because he couldn't believe it was possible in this day and age.
He began sharing stories from Ukrainians on the ground on his account.
People who live far from the big cities turn on their TV and see propaganda news only.
After speaking to CNN from Germany, he decided to leave Moscow. He said he tried to reconcile with his mother before he left.
In a March 1 post, he said he sent his mother some money and a letter, in which he told her he didn't hold a grudge. Her response was swift.
Don't send anything, I will send it back. She wrote that she didn't communicate with traitors to the Motherland and that she wished she had left the country.
She said there would be no traitors in her family.
Despite her not being in contact with him, he spoke to his mother directly in the post, telling her that he would never treat his children the way she did.
Many people in Ukraine and Russia have found that their loved ones are not willing to believe the truth about what is happening in the country. Insider's Mia Jankowicz spoke with multiple Ukrainians about how difficult it was to convince their Russian relatives and friends that Russia invaded.
One woman who lives in eastern Ukraine told Insider that the war has left her "orphaned" after her father refused to listen to her.
She told Insider that he said it was a lie. That they are saving us.
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