As Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to exert power abroad in Ukraine, he is facing domestic anti-war sentiment and protests against his military aggression.
Russian authorities have responded by cracking down on “unsanctioned” protests and arresting hundreds of protesters Thursday, citing COVID-19 restrictions and other laws that govern public demonstrations.
OVER 150 RUSSIAN OFFICIALS CONDEMN UKRAINE INVASION
Russia’s interior ministry issued a warning on Thursday telling the public to “refrain from unsanctioned protests,” according to a report. So far, there have been over 1,413 individuals detained in 51 Russian cities for anti-war protests, according to OVD-Info, a Russian human rights project. Some protesters were even arrested preemptively — before reaching the demonstration sites.
St Petetsburg protest against the war. At least 252 arrested there pic.twitter.com/53D5dwWLtp
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) February 24, 2022
“We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. For all those who have not yet lost their conscience in Russia, it is time to go out and protest against the war with Ukraine,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted in a call to action on Thursday.
Police on the streets of Moscow, Russia tonight. A protest has been called against Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. It is unsanctioned and police are clearly ready to use force against protesters. pic.twitter.com/xsqOpA3rhQ
— Emma Burrows (@EJ_Burrows) February 24, 2022
“Reacting to provocative calls, it is necessary to keep in mind the negative legal consequences of these actions in the form of liability up to criminal,” the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation said in a statement. “We remind that calls for participation and direct participation in events that are not authorized in accordance with the established procedure entail serious legal consequences. The law provides for severe punishment for organizing mass riots, as well as for resisting law enforcement officers.”
Despite the warnings, thousands of Russians have taken to the streets anyway, calling on Putin to end his attack on Ukraine. Video has circulated on social media showing demonstrators chanting phrases such as, “No to war.”
People marching through central Moscow this evening chanting “No to War!” pic.twitter.com/BTQ3ZOGTan
— Matthew Luxmoore (@mjluxmoore) February 24, 2022
Prominent Russian activist Marina Litvinovich told Reuters that she was detained by Russian authorities after leaving her house on Thursday. She called for protests against the actions in Ukraine. On Thursday, over 150 Russian elected officials condemned the attack on Ukraine, arguing there was no justification for the invasion.
The invasion has been criticized by many Russian celebrities and reporters. Over 200 Russian scientists signed a letter critical of the country’s actions in Ukraine.
People gathering next to Red Square and the Kremlin in protest against Russia-Ukraine invasion.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 24, 2022
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The protests in Russia over Ukraine are the largest demonstrations against the Russian government the country has seen since opposition leader Alexey Navalny was arrested.
The protests in Russia coincided with other protests around the world against Putin’s actions, including in parts of Europe, the United States, and Israel. Protesters expressed outrage over the invasion and expressed solidarity with Ukraine. World leaders have begun implementing punitive measures against Russia in response to its belligerence.
