Russian Opposition in Exile Holds Historic Anti-War Demonstration in Berlin
On November 17, 2024, over a thousand members of the Russian diaspora gathered in Berlin for a significant anti-war demonstration, marking the first major rally organized by the Russian opposition in exile. This event was a response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the increasing repression within Russia under President Vladimir Putin's regime. The demonstration commenced at Potsdamer Platz and concluded at the Russian embassy on Unter den Linden, united under the slogan, "No to Putin, no to war."
The rally was spearheaded by prominent opposition figures, including Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Alexei Navalny, alongside Ilya Yashin, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Oleg Orlov, founder of the NGO Memorial. These leaders, who have recently been released from imprisonment through a historic prisoner exchange, aim to galvanize the fragmented Russian opposition and provide a renewed sense of hope for those opposing the Kremlin's policies.
Calls for Unity and Action Against Kremlin Policies
The demonstration comes more than two and a half years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with organizers hoping to unite various factions of the Russian opposition and amplify their anti-war message. Yulia Navalnaya emphasized the importance of showcasing that many Russians oppose Putin and the war, stating, "There is another Russia that is not militaristic, but free."
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the rally, there is notable frustration among supporters regarding the effectiveness of the opposition. Critics, including some Ukrainians, argue that the Russian dissidents have not done enough to challenge the Kremlin or clearly articulate their stance on the invasion of Ukraine. Yashin outlined three primary demands of the opposition: the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the prosecution of Putin as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners.
The event in Berlin highlights Germany's role as a refuge for the largest Russian exile community in the EU, with over 250,000 Russians living there. As the opposition continues to face severe repression in Russia, the demonstration serves as a crucial platform for voicing dissent and advocating for change.
