In Berlin, a significant rally took place on Sunday, where notable figures from the Russian opposition gathered, leading at least 1,000 participants to voice their dissent against President Vladimir Putin and his actions in Ukraine, while advocating for democratic reforms in Russia.
The protest was marked by a prominent banner stating “No Putin. No War,” and was spearheaded by Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the prominent critic of Putin, Alexei Navalny. Other notable leaders included Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who recently returned from Russian prisons as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange.
Chanting phrases such as “Russia without Putin” in Russian, demonstrators brandished various signs featuring messages on a red backdrop. Messages like “Putin = War” and “Putin is a murderer” were displayed in German, reflecting the sentiments of the protestors.
Participants waved flags from both Russia and Ukraine, alongside the white-blue-white flag used by various opposition groups in Russia. The march commenced near Potsdamer Platz, progressing through historic landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, and was anticipated to conclude outside the Russian Embassy.
According to a statement released by the organizers, the march aimed to demand the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, hold Vladimir Putin accountable as a war criminal, and secure the release of all political prisoners detained in Russia. Yashin remarked that the demonstration was a testament to the freedom enjoyed in Berlin, emphasizing that a peaceful, free, and civilized Russia is possible.
Navalnaya, Yashin, and Kara-Murza have positioned the rally as a demonstration of solidarity, particularly amid recent tensions within the anti-war movement. The Russian anti-war opposition in exile has struggled to maintain a unified voice and establish a coherent strategy for action.
The significant prisoner swap in August brought back vital dissidents and raised hopes for a revitalized movement in the aftermath of Navalny’s tragic death in confinement—a loss deeply felt by many supporters. However, the last few months have seen rising tensions as infighting among Navalny’s associates and other leading dissidents has surfaced, undermining attempts to form a consolidated front against the Kremlin.
Frustration has grown among opposition-minded Russians regarding the ongoing disputes and what is perceived as attempts by competing factions to undermine each other’s influence. This ongoing discord highlights the challenges facing the movement in its quest for unity and a common goal against the current regime in power.