Over 1,000 people gathered in central Berlin on Sunday for a march led by prominent Russian opposition figures. The protesters, carrying banners and signs, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin and his actions in Ukraine while advocating for democracy in Russia.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Alexei Navalny, along with Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who were recently released from Russian detention, led the demonstration. Chants of 'Russia without Putin' echoed through the streets as protesters displayed signs denouncing Putin as a war criminal and murderer.
Marchers proudly waved flags of Russia and Ukraine, as well as a white-blue-white flag associated with Russian opposition groups. The route of the march took participants from Potsdamer Platz through iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, culminating outside the Russian Embassy.
The protesters' demands included the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the trial of Putin as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners in Russia. Organizers emphasized the importance of using their freedom in Berlin to showcase a vision of a peaceful, free, and civilized Russia.
Despite recent internal discord within the anti-war opposition, Sunday's rally aimed to demonstrate unity among dissidents. The prisoner exchange in August, which saw the release of key opposition figures, was expected to reinvigorate the movement following Navalny's tragic death in prison.
However, tensions have escalated in recent months as rival factions within the opposition have engaged in public disputes, hindering efforts to present a cohesive front against the Kremlin. Many Russians critical of the government have expressed frustration with the infighting and perceived attempts to undermine each other's credibility and influence.
