Ukraine crisis: Anti-war protests across Europe and 250 arrested at rallies in Russia
- Protests were planned in Berlin, Warsaw, London, Madrid, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Stuttgart to protest against the ongoing war
- Police detained more than 250 people during demonstrations in 23 Russian cities on Sunday; the previous weekend, about 5,000 were arrested
Tens of thousands of people were expected to gather Sunday in cities across Europe to protest against the ongoing war in Ukraine, with small rallies taking place in Russia as well despite a crackdown by authorities against such demonstrations.
Trade unions called a protest in Berlin where sunny weather was expected to boost the turnout. Organisers planned to march from the city’s Alexanderplatz – a large square named after Russian Tsar Alexander I – to a site near the Brandenburg Gate.
Many participants carried flags in the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine, while others carried banners reading “Stop the War” and “Peace and Solidarity for the people in Ukraine.”
Protests were also planned in Warsaw, London, Madrid, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Stuttgart. Meanwhile, Ukrainian nationals in Taiwan and supporters staged a march Sunday in Taipei to protest the Russian invasion.
In Russia more than 250 people were detained on Sunday for protesting Moscow’s “military operation” in Ukraine, as the conflict continues for a third week.