Thousands Turn Out in Berlin to Protest Arming Ukraine Against Russia

BERLIN, (Reuters) – On Saturday, 10,000 protestors gathered against the supply of weapons for war to Ukraine with Russia. The demonstration attracted criticism from top German government officials as well a large police presence to keep order.

The protest was organized by a prominent left-wing German politician. It comes one day after Russia invaded Ukraine in a year. This event drew support from Kyiv around the world, as well as promises of more weapons and new sanctions against Russia.

“We call on the German chancellor to stop the escalation of arms deliveries. Now!…Because every day lost costs up to 1,000 more lives – and brings us closer to a 3rd world war,” According to their website, the organizers of the protest said so.

The “Uprising for Peace” Sahra Wagenknecht (a member of Germany’s left-wing Die Linke) organized the event.

Together with the United States of America, Germany was a significant supplier of weapons for Ukraine.

“Negotiate, not escalate” One sign, held by a protestor, said that while another banner in the crowd read “Not our war”.

According to police, there were 10,000 people gathering around Germany’s Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin.

Police mobilized 1,400 officials to ensure peace and enforce bans against military uniforms, Russian and Soviet Flags, Russian Military Songs, and Right-Wing Symbols.

According to the police spokesperson, there were no right-wing groups present and that the protest must be peaceful. Christian Lindner, German Finance Minister, stated that it was necessary. “clearly opposed”It was peaceful.

“Whoever does not stand by Ukraine is on the wrong side of history,” Lindner stated this on Twitter.

(Editing by xxxxxx)