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MV Agusta CEO Addresses Ukrainian, Russian Conflict M V Agusta CEO Timur Sarda- rov has penned a letter to his staff that has now been made public on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russian-born Sardarov, who took over the reins as owner and CEO of MV Agusta in 2019, made an unequivocal stance against the ongoing conflict that has gripped the world in recent weeks, calling it "the biggest tragedy of my 40 years of exis- tence." Sardarov's letter is especially poignant given he is one of the highest-ranking Russians in the international motorcycle industry and in charge of MV Agusta, one of the most famous brands. At the time of writing this story, Russian forces had unleashed new airstrikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city as they attempt to move forward into the capital, Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have said the invasion's civilian death toll has reached 2000. Below is the letter penned by Sardarov that has now been made public: "Dear colleagues, I would like to address you in these difficult times as I'm sure you are aware that there is a war inflaming between Russia and Ukraine. For me, as a Rus- sian, it is the biggest tragedy of my 40 years of existence. I have never thought that I would feel so betrayed by the action of my own country. I have a lot of friends in Ukraine and a lot of friends and family in Russia. During my upbringing and the upbringing of my parents, we always con- sidered each other as closest brother nations. We had free movement between our cities, we never considered each other different. We supported each other, we fell in love with each other—before these horrific atrocities were con- ducted by the Russian regime. All my family is shocked, all the people that I know are shocked, angry and feel be- trayed. The repercussions for Europe and the whole world are very unpredictable. The rhetoric that is coming out from the Russian and West- ern media is so polarized that it is making me sick. I believe that most of Russians also feel the same. Russians are a very proud nation and in our history, no one has ever betrayed us more than this regime led by the Russian regime. My thoughts and prayers are going to all the Ukrainian people and the poor Russian soldiers, young boys that have been thrown into this brother- killing conflict. Sorry for emotions, but I don't have many people to express them to and I consider all of you my family. Sincerely, Timur Sardarov" CN IN THE WIND P46 MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov's open letter is a bold move for a Russian of his stature.