Protest in Berlin over arming Ukraine against Russia draws thousands

Protest in Berlin over arming Ukraine against Russia draws thousands

by Reuters News Service
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A demonstration against supplying Ukraine with weapons for war with Russia attracted 10,000 people on Saturday, drawing criticism from top German government officials and a large police presence to maintain order.

Organised by a prominent left-wing German politician, the protest comes a day after the one-year anniversary of Russiaโ€™s invasion of Ukraine, which drew promises of more weapons from western allies, fresh sanctions against Russia and shows of support for Kyiv across the globe.

โ€œWe call on the German chancellor to stop the escalation of arms deliveries. Now!โ€ฆBecause every day lost costs up to 1,000 more lives โ€“ and brings us closer to a 3rd world war,โ€ the protestโ€™s organizers said on their website.

The โ€œUprising for Peaceโ€ was organised in part by Sahra Wagenknecht, a member of Germanyโ€™s left-wing Die Linke party.

Germany, along with the United States, has been one of the biggest suppliers of weapons for Ukraine.

โ€œNegotiate, not escalateโ€ one sign held by a demonstrator said, while a banner in the crowd read โ€œNot our warโ€.

A police spokesperson said 10,000 people gathered around Germanyโ€™s symbolic Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin.

Police mobilised 1,400 officials to keep the peace and to enforce bans on military uniforms, Russian and Soviet flags, Russian military songs and right-wing symbols.

The police spokesperson said there was no sign of right-wing groups attending and that the protest, which German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said must be โ€œclearly opposedโ€, was peaceful.

โ€œWhoever does not stand by Ukraine is on the wrong side of history,โ€ Lindner said on Twitter.

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