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VOA/ Russian oppositionists in exile, march against Putin in Berlin
2024-11-14 17:39:05 / BOTA
Berlin has become a center of Russian opposition in the years since Russian President Vladimir Putin's large-scale offensive against Ukraine.
Members of the Russian opposition in exile are planning a mass march on Sunday in the German capital, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the prosecution of Putin as a war criminal and the release of all political prisoners.
The last major demonstrations against Russia's war in Ukraine took place in Moscow in mid-2022.
Since then, the Kremlin has violently suppressed any attempt to oppose the attack against Ukraine.
Opposition activists have left the country and many have chosen Berlin as their new home.
In the German capital they have the freedom to express their opinions and that is what they are planning to do on Sunday.
"Within Russia, unfortunately, there is no possibility to organize such a march, to speak against Putin or against the war, because Vladimir Putin is a bloody dictator. As long as he is in power, the fight will continue," says Olga Galkina, organizer of the protest.
At the head of the protest will be well-known opposition figures, such as Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza and exiled politician Ilya Yashin.
Also there will be Yulia Navalnaya, who recently told a British television station that she intends to follow in the footsteps of her late husband, Alexey Navalny, who was the de facto leader of the Russian opposition until his death in prison Russian in February.
"If I return to Russia, I will participate in the elections," said the Russian opposition politician.
Russia's democratic opposition has historically been divided. But now, march organizers say they are putting aside their differences and uniting against Putin.
"For now, we all have a common goal: that Putin be punished for war crimes and that the war in Ukraine ends as soon as possible," says Ms. Galkina.
The march will take place amid concerns among Russian dissidents in exile over the plans of the new US administration.
Protest organizers fear that President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine could favor Putin, making it easier for the Russian leader to retain power./VOA
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