Protesters Rally Worldwide to Demand Putin End War in Ukraine
In an amazing display of solidarity worldwide, tens of thousands rallied on several continents, demanding that Russian President Vladimir Putin end his war in Ukraine. Demonstrators took to the streets in cities from New York and London to Tokyo and Buenos Aires; some waved Ukrainian flags and carried placards while chanting slogans against the war.
While the conflict visibly exploded in 2021 after increased heavy military activity along the line and deteriorating tensions in East Ukraine, with the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 marking a turning point, humanitarian impacts keep growing and continue to put immense pressure on the international community for outcry over continued violence.
In London, police estimated 20,000 marched from Trafalgar Square to the Russian Embassy. Demonstrators carried banners that read “Stop the War,” “Peace for Ukraine,” and “Putin, Go Home.” Many protesters said they were frustrated by what they described as global inaction in the face of what they referred to as “an unprovoked and unjustifiable assault on Ukrainian sovereignty.”
“We are here to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” said protester Anna Kovalenko, a Ukrainian expatriate. “Putin’s aggression tears families apart, destabilizes the whole region.”
The streets filled in near nakedness demonstrations in Manhattan, where hundreds were protesting in Times Square; and Berlin, where protesters circled the Brandenburg Gate in chains of human flesh. Activists demonstrated outside the Russian Embassy in Tokyo – reflective of Japan’s own fear about territorial dispute issues with Russia.
Appeals to Action
World leaders and activists have increased their call for a ceasefire and negotiations to put an end to the war. The protest, organized by several human rights groups and Ukrainian diaspora organizations, demanded more stringent sanctions against Russia and more support given to Ukraine.
“Enough is enough,” said Maria Vasilenko, a protest organizer in Chicago. “The international community must stand united against authoritarianism and aggression. Ukraine’s independence and democracy are at stake, and we cannot afford to turn a blind eye.”
Kremlin’s Response
The Kremlin characterized the protests as a “Western propaganda campaign” and reiterated that its actions in Ukraine were defensive in nature. Russian officials accused NATO of heating up tensions by military and political support of Ukraine.
Despite Moscow’s denial, growing evidence of Russian military involvement in Ukraine has raised the call for accountability. Human rights organizations reported thousands of civilians displaced, many seeking safety in neighboring countries.
Ukrainians Are Resilient at Home During the Crisis
At home, Ukrainians have acted in so many great demonstrations of strength and resilience. In Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv, thousands came out into the streets to express support for Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers. Grassroots organizations providing sustenance, medication, and places to stay for refugees and the displaced mushroomed practically overnight as war broke out.
“Ukraine will not be given away,” said Kyiv resident Andriy Petrov. “We will fight for the independence, territory, and future with all our strengths.”
Hope for Peace
Protests mount in hopes that international pressure will give the Kremlin cause to think twice. But analysts warn the conflict will be resolved only through dogged diplomatic engagement and the will of the parties.
For now, the voices of millions across the world are loud and clear: an end to the war in Ukraine is not just a demand for peace but one for justice, protection of international norms.
