In Moscow alone, police detained 600 people amid demonstrations against the military operation in Ukraine
Anti-war slogans filled central Moscow and Saint Petersburg streets on Thursday, as hundreds took to protest against the ongoing Russian military operation in Ukraine. Police in the Russian capital have said they temporarily detained 600 people.
In Moscow, a crowd of demonstrators gathered on central Pushkinskaya Square, many of them young people. They were chanting anti-war slogans and holding signs that read: “Stop the war,” “No to War,” and “Ukraine is not our enemy,” as well as “No one needs this war.” Media reports also showed some demonstrators marching along Moscow’s Tverskaya street, where the mayor’s office is located.
Москва.Людям всё же удалось собраться у метро Пушкинская в Москве. pic.twitter.com/4bZc6Eu1Fb
— Встречный Ветер (@headwind512) February 24, 2022
Police cordoned off the square and sought to disperse the crowd, citing the existing Covid-19 rules. The rally had not been approved by city authorities.
Точечные задержания на Пушкинской продолжаются. pic.twitter.com/bo8jaZcNYX
— Anton Smetannikov (@AAST89) February 24, 2022