The opposition said it had three main demands: the “immediate withdrawal” of troops from Ukraine, putting Putin on trial as a “war criminal” and releasing all political prisoners in Russia.
Ukraine was the main focus of the protests, which ended at the Russian embassy in Berlin.
The Russian opposition has often been accused of failing to understand Ukraine’s suffering and failing to do enough to prevent war in its own country.
Oleg Orlov, co-chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group Memorial Hall, who was sentenced to prison in Russia for anti-war and anti-government remarks, held a banner that read “Ukraine’s victory, Putin’s defeat, freedom.” For Russia.”
Orlov is currently living in forced exile in Germany after being released in a prisoner exchange last August. He urged Ukraine to continue supplying its allies with weapons.
He told the BBC: “If Putin wins in Ukraine, the fascist regime in Russia will remain in place for many years.”
“More weapons for Ukraine are important, including for Russia’s future, because if Putin wins, Russia – the Russia we all here dream of and want to build – loses.
“Europeans who talk about peace in Ukraine at any cost, who are prepared to appease the aggressor, do not understand the landmines they are laying for the future of Europe itself.”
