Thousands rally in Berlin, Paris to call for peace in Ukraine

Individuals in Berlin participate in a protest in opposition to the supply of weapons to Ukraine.

Protesters in Paris and Berlin capitals have rallied to demand peace in Ukraine, a day after the anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Hundreds of individuals protested within the Germany capital on Saturday to sentence the federal government’s provide of arms to Ukraine and name for peace talks to finish the warfare.

The organisers had been criticised earlier than the protest for downplaying Ukraine’s proper to defend its territory from Russian aggression and failing to distance themselves from the far proper and much left, the place pro-Russia views are frequent.

One of many organisers, opposition lawmaker Sahra Wagenknecht of the ex-communist Left get together, stated that there was no place for neo-Nazis on the rally, however that anybody who needed peace “with an trustworthy coronary heart” was welcome.

Whereas most placards on the protest mirrored conventional left-wing positions, some members bore banners with the slogan “People go residence” and the emblem of a far-right journal. Some waved Russian flags.

Wagenknecht accused the German authorities of looking for to “break Russia,” and stated that Moscow must be made an “supply” in an effort to resume peace talks.

One other of the organisers, distinguished feminist creator Alice Schwarzer, stated it was time to look past left and proper.

The 2 ladies have additionally launched a petition which claims to have gathered greater than 645,000 signatures.

A woman takes part in a protest
A girl takes half in a protest in opposition to the supply of weapons to Ukraine and in help of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Berlin, Germany [Christian Mang/Reuters]

Protesters jeered every time she and Wagenknecht talked about the identify of German international minister Annalena Baerbock, who has strongly backed the supply of arms to Ukraine.

Police stated that about 13,000 folks took half within the rally at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, whereas organisers claimed that fifty,000 folks participated.

One attendee was Konstantin Schneider, an instructional from Berlin, who stated he understood that nations in Japanese Europe had been afraid of Russia.

“After all [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is an fool to assault Ukraine,” he stated. “However we nonetheless want to seek out new options [to the war] as a substitute of sweepingly saying there’s nothing to barter.”

There have been a number of small counter-demonstrations. On Friday, 1000's of protesters throughout Europe marched in opposition to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

In Paris, a number of hundred folks sang on Saturday Ukraine’s nationwide anthem at Place de la Republique earlier than Ukrainian youngsters wearing conventional costume led a procession.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated in a current tv interview that he doesn't see a prospect for peace talks at current.

“We have to perceive that the Russian president at the moment accepts just one type of negotiations, which is that [Ukraine] capitulates unconditionally and he achieves all of his goals,” Scholz instructed public broadcaster ZDF.

People take part in a protest
Individuals participate in a protest in opposition to the supply of weapons to Ukraine in Berlin, Germany [Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters]

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