Russian Opposition Leaders Hold Anti-War March in Berlin
On November 17, a march against Russia’s war in Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin’s regime took place in Berlin. The event was organized by Russian opposition exiled leaders Yulia Navalnaya, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Ilya Yashin.
The participants called for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine, the release of political prisoners, and for Putin to be tried as a war criminal. This march coincided with Russia’s large-scale strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy grid, causing civilian casualties and injuries.
Estimates of the number of participants varied, with German police putting it at 1,800 and independent news outlet Meduza at 6,000-7,000 people. The march moved from Potsdamer Platz to the Brandenburg Gate, ending near the Russian embassy building. Navalnaya, Kara-Murza, and Yashin were in attendance.
Yulia Navalnaya took on a more public role after her husband Alexei Navalny’s death in February. She directly accused Putin of being responsible for his husband’s death.
Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin were released from prison as part of a prisoner swap between Moscow and the West.
Videos showed participants waving Ukrainian and Russian opposition flags, chanting “No to war,” and holding banners with pro-Ukrainian statements. However, an incident occurred when two participants brought a Russian flag to the march, causing angry protests from other demonstrators.
“We are against the war, aggression, and support free, peaceful Russia,” Yashin said in a speech.