A demonstration against arms deliveries to Ukraine in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia gathered around 10,000 people in Berlin this Saturday and triggered criticism from members of the government.
The protest, organized by a left-wing movement, comes on the day after the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to the shipment of arms from Western countries to Kiev, several sanctions moves against Moscow and demonstrations in support of Ukraine around the world.
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“We call on the Chancellor to stop the escalation of arms deliveries. Now! (…) Because every lost day costs up to 1,000 lives – and brings us closer to a third world war,” write the organizers on their website.
This “uprising for peace” was launched in particular at the call of Sahra Wagenknecht, a member of the German left-wing party Die Linke.
Alongside the USA, Germany is one of the most important arms suppliers to Ukraine.
“Negotiate, don’t escalate,” read a protester’s placard, while a banner in the crowd read, “Not our war.”
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According to a police spokesman, 10,000 people gathered around the Brandenburg Gate in the center of the German capital.
Police mobilized 1,400 agents to maintain order and enforce a ban on displaying military uniforms, Russian and Soviet flags, certain far-right symbols and the singing of Russian military songs.
The police spokesman said there were no reports of the presence of far-right groups and that the protest, which German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said he should “clearly oppose,” was peaceful.
“Those who don’t support Ukraine are on the wrong side of history,” he wrote on Twitter.
Play down Putin’s aggression, refuse arms deliveries. No help – only demands for diplomatic solutions. Last #Wagenknecht–#black-Demo you have to answer clearly: Who the #Ukraine not standing by is on the wrong side of history. CL #b2502
—Christian Lindner (@c_lindner) February 25, 2023