Russian opposition figures demonstrate against Vladimir Putin in Berlin

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Prominent Russian opposition figures have taken the lead ina march of at least 1,000 people in central Berlin on Sundaydemanding an end to the war in Ukraine and calling for democracy in Russia.

Behind a banner displaying the message “No Putin, no war”, the demonstrators were led by Yulia Navalnaïa, the widow of Alexeï Navalny, a great critic of Putin, as well as by Ilia Iachine and Vladimir Kara-Mourzawho were released during a prisoner exchange highly publicized this summer.

Some demonstrators marched with the flags of Russia or Ukraine, as well as a white-blue-white flag used by some Russian opposition groups.

“A peaceful, free and civilized Russia exists”

The march, which started near Potsdamer Platz, passed through the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie before ending in front of the Russian embassy.

“The march demands the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the trial of Vladimir Putin as a war criminal and the release of all political prisoners in Russia“protesters said in a statement.

Ilia Iachine also declared that the demonstrators “used the freedom we have here in Berlin to show the world that a peaceful, free and civilized Russia exists”.

Yulia Navalnaïa, Ilia Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Mourza all presented Sunday’s rally as aa show of unity after a period of division within Russia’s anti-war opposition.

The historic exchange of prisoners between Russia and the West, which took place in August, saw the release of key dissidents and helped reinvigorate a movement fractured by the death in prison of Alexei Navalny, a charismatic anti-corruption campaigner and sworn enemy of the Kremlin, in February this year.