Demonstrations Erupt Across Russia as Citizens Defy Police Orders and Chant “No to War”
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of widespread public support for the military invasion of Ukraine, protests broke out across Russia on Thursday, February 24, 2022, as thousands of citizens took to the streets to voice their opposition. Demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, defying police warnings and chanting slogans like “No to war!” in response to the unprovoked military campaign.
Authorities swiftly moved to suppress the protests, with police making at least 1,702 arrests across 53 Russian cities by the evening, according to the OVD-Info monitor. Moscow and St. Petersburg saw the largest crowds, where tensions escalated as people expressed their shock and anger at the invasion.
One protestor in Moscow, Alexander Belov, voiced his dismay, questioning Putin’s actions. He, along with others, held placards reading “No war” and called for an end to the violence. The protests reflect growing discontent among ordinary Russians, many of whom are now publicly challenging the government over its actions in Ukraine.
