Image: Yulia Navalnaya (C) led the march with other leading exiled opposition figures

By Smartencyclopedia SNBNewsdesk with Agencies

Berlin (Nov. 16, 2024)

Thousands of protesters marched through central Berlin on Saturday, carrying blue-and-white Russian opposition flags and Ukrainian banners, united in their calls to end the war in Ukraine and hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable. Leading the charge was Yulia Navalnaya, the exiled widow of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who implored attendees to sustain their protests.

“One protest alone won’t change anything. We need to keep coming out,” Navalnaya told the crowd gathered outside Berlin’s Russian embassy. “We march not just for ourselves, but for those in Russia who can’t, for political prisoners, and for those who have been killed.”

A United but Diverse Front

The march was organized by Russian opposition figures, many of whom are now living in exile due to an intensified crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin. Protesters chanted slogans such as “No to war” and “Putin is a killer,” reflecting their three main demands: the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the prosecution of Putin as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners in Russia.

The crowd included Navalny supporters, anarchists, and activists from across Europe. Among them was Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group Memorial, who held a banner reading, “Victory for Ukraine, Defeat for Putin, Freedom for Russia.” Orlov, now living in exile in Germany, emphasized the importance of continuing military aid to Ukraine.

“Victory for Putin in Ukraine will conserve his fascist regime in Russia for many years,” Orlov said, warning against calls for peace at any cost. “Those prepared to appease the aggressor do not understand the mine they are laying for the future of Europe itself.”

Addressing Criticism

The rally sought to bridge tensions between Russian dissidents and Ukrainian activists, some of whom have criticized the opposition for not doing enough to stop Russia’s war. Last week, Ukrainian protesters disrupted Navalnaya’s speech in Lisbon, accusing her of insufficient condemnation of the invasion. She responded firmly, denouncing the war and reaffirming her stance.

This time, the rally appeared more attuned to Ukrainian perspectives, with slogans like “Putin = War” and a memorial for those killed in Ukraine.

Voices of Resistance

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent opposition leader recently released after more than two years in Russian custody, addressed the rally, calling the Russian embassy in Berlin “a spy nest.” He vowed, “It will be an embassy again.”

Kara-Murza expressed pride at the turnout, despite acknowledging the gathering was smaller than expected. “Millions in Russia feel the same way, but for the smallest act of protest, you end up in prison, as I did,” he said.

Anastasia, an IT worker from Kazan, Russia, who fled the country in 2022, said, “It’s impossible to protest in an authoritarian state. That’s why this rally matters.”

A Glimmer of Hope

As the march concluded, participants lingered by a memorial, chatting and singing along to a guitarist’s melodies. Some found solace in the solidarity.

Polina, a protester, admitted that hope among Russians abroad is dwindling. “People don’t believe in change. But there’s no shame in doing little; what’s shameful is doing nothing,” she said, quoting Alexei Navalny.

Though the road ahead remains uncertain, Navalnaya’s message resonated: resistance, however daunting, remains essential.