In a powerful demonstration of unity, over 1,000 members of the Russian opposition gathered in Berlin, led by prominent figures such as Julia Nawalnaja, Ilya Yashin, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. The protest, which began at Potsdamer Platz and concluded at the Russian embassy, was a vocal rebuke of Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine. Demonstrators carried the white-blue-white flag, a symbol of resistance, and called for the release of political prisoners held in Russia.
The rally was marked by chants like "No to war" and "Putin must go," reflecting the participants' demand for democracy and an end to political repression. The demonstration aimed to unite a fractured exiled opposition community that had been weakened by internal strife and the death of anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny under suspicious circumstances.
Participants, some traveling from other countries, underscored the importance of showing solidarity against the war and supporting the Ukrainian cause. They called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and the prosecution of Putin as a war criminal. The protest also served as a platform for exiled Russians to express hope for a democratic future and encourage ongoing resistance against the Kremlin's policies.
The rally highlighted the enduring spirit of the Russian opposition, with leaders urging continued efforts against the Putin regime despite challenges. The event not only condemned the war but also sought to galvanize support for a free and democratic Russia, reinforcing the opposition's commitment to their cause.
