Protests in Germany for end to conflict in Ukraine

Nguyen Phuc Nam Dan (Briefly translated from RIA Novosti)• DNUM_AIZAEZCACD 21:37

(Baonghean.vn) - Thousands of people gathered in the capital Berlin. They marched peacefully on the eve of Catholic Easter to protest Germany's provision of weapons to Kiev and support holding negotiations on Ukraine.

Protests in Germany against NATO and Berlin providing weapons to Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Germany is expected to hold its annual "Easter March" this weekend, during which people in more than 120 German cities will take part in protests against arms supplies to Kiev and demand a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Netzwerk Friedenskooperative - the organization coordinating protests across the country, at least 3,000 people are taking part in the demonstration in Berlin. The demonstration started in a square in the center of Wedding.

Marchers carried flags with doves of peace and banners reading: “USA and NATO – get out of Ukraine”, “Diplomacy, not weapons”, “Oppose meaningless sanctions, cheap energy now”, “Tanks never bring peace”… The protests were also aimed at Europe’s dependence on US policy.

People protest against arms transfers to Ukraine in Berlin, Germany on February 25. Photo: Reuters

Before the march began, a performer sang "Let There Always Be Sunshine" in Russian, German and Yiddish, and speakers called for quick peace talks on Ukraine.

"Stop supplying weapons to Ukraine, this will only lead to escalation and prolongation of the conflict!", one speaker said. He also stressed that Russia's security interests must be respected in the face of NATO's arming and expansion close to Russia's borders.

Ukrainian supporters tried to intervene in the event, but due to their small numbers they could not make any impact.

"End when we say no" - a message from protesters in Berlin. Photo: RIA Novosti

In announcing the action plan, the organizers of the march demanded a halt to German arms supplies to Kiev, a halt to the deployment of nuclear weapons in Germany's Ramstein, and an end to sanctions against Russia - which, according to them, have caused great harm to the Federal Republic of Germany itself from the very beginning. They also called on the Berlin authorities to facilitate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as well as create a European security structure "from Lisbon to Vladivostok".