Table of Contents
NOS news•yesterday, 5:12 p.m•Changed yesterday, 5:43 p.m
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Chiem Balduk
journalist from Germany
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Chiem Balduk
journalist from Germany
Around 1,500 Russians, led by prominent Russian politicians, marched through Berlin to protest the war in Ukraine. The protest march was led by Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of opposition leader Navalny.
A march to the Russian embassy called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the release of political prisoners and the summons of President Putin to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
“It is important that we do not remain silent,” said Maria, who has lived in Munich since the 1990s. “It’s the least I can do here.” Sofie, who fled to Germany in 2022, agrees. “I go to a lot of protests and sometimes it’s frustrating that many Russians are tolerant. I don’t criticize it because sometimes there are good reasons, for example the impact that a family can have in Russia.”
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She has not lived in Russia for more than thirty years and she has one wish: get rid of Putin -
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Russian Vladimir flies one of the few Ukrainian flags
The reasons for the presentation are different. For example, Elijah and Yevgeni put up a rainbow flag to draw attention to LGBT violence in Russia. “We want the Russian opposition leaders to draw attention to this as well.” The couple fled Russia due to increased persecution of LGBTI people.
Opposition leaders in exile are viewed with respect by many attendees – in addition to Navalnaya, also Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza. The last two were sentenced to long prison terms in Russia for their stand against the war. Last summer the two were in a historic prisoner exchange given to Germany in exchange for, among others, a murderer sentenced to life.
See photos of the protest:
Navalny’s wife at an anti-Putin protest in Berlin
However, the opposition seems to be very divided. “They are against Putin, but they are not turning against the empire that many Russians stand for,” says Vanja, who calls himself a Russian-German anarchist. There was also plenty of discussion about the use of flags. Some participants brought Russian flags, while others believed that the Russians should display a blue-and-white flag.
This Russian protest cannot count on support from Ukraine. Yesterday label Ukraine’s ambassador describes the protest as pointless and a PR stunt, as Russia’s opposition blames the war solely on Putin and therefore would ‘ exterminate the people of Russia. The most important Ukrainian organizations in Berlin also did not participate in the protest.
Ukrainians criticize Russia’s opposition for not doing enough for Ukraine. Navalnaya raised eyebrows in Germany with an interview in a weekly magazine The hour. When asked if the delivery of weapons to Ukraine was right, she replied: “It’s hard to say. The bombs have an effect on the Russians too.” When the conversation turned to Russian war crimes, Navalnaya emphasized that there are criminals in every country.
The statements drowned out her criticism of the war and Putin’s actions. Introducing CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter contempt Navalnaja lacks understanding for Ukraine. Germany was also not well received on questions from figures against the usefulness of sanctions against Russia.
Message to Germany
Some Ukrainian flags were seen at the protest, but mostly it included Russians who wanted to show their support. “I can understand the criticism of Ukraine, because they were rightly hoping for more support from the Russians,” said Vladimir, wrapped in a yellow-blue flag. “But I think every important support, even if that help comes from someone who thinks a little differently.”
The demonstrators also have a clear message for Germany. “There is too much understanding for Russia, sometimes even more than for Ukraine,” said Vanja, the anarchist. Others are calling for an expansion of military aid to Ukraine, such as the Taurus long-range missiles, but Chancellor Scholz has so far rejected that.
What did the protest accomplish? “We show that Putin does not speak for all of Russia,” said Vladimir, holding a Ukrainian flag. “And that we as the opposition, despite all our differences, are still united. “
2024-11-17 16:12:00
#Russias #opposition #protests #Berlin #divisions #criticism #Ukraine
What specific reforms do Russian opposition groups demand from President Putin’s government to address their grievances?
1. What are the main grievances that Russian opposition groups have against the government of President Vladimir Putin?
2. How have the actions of the Russian opposition been perceived in both Russia and abroad, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine?
3. Can Germany play a significant role in supporting the Russian opposition while maintaining its support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict?
4. What are some of the major divisions within the Russian opposition movement, and how do these affect their ability to unite against Putin?
5. How has Navalny’s experience in prison affected his popularity and credibility among the Russian people?
6. What specific actions or policies do the Russian opposition believe would lead to meaningful change in their government?
7. Do the Russian opposition groups see any viable candidates or parties that could potentially challenge Putin in future elections?
8. How important is the support of Russian diaspora communities living abroad, like those in Berlin, to the success of the opposition movement?
9. What are the biggest obstacles facing the Russian opposition movement, both internally and externally?
10. As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, what role does the Russian opposition see for itself in resolving the conflict and promoting peace?
