People went to rallies in all major American cities.
Rallies against Putin's war in Washington were held simultaneously under the Russian embassy and under the White House. The deserted Russian embassy, behind a double fence, is located on a square named after the slain oppositionist Boris Nemtsov – so the local authorities officially renamed it so that Russian diplomats never forget who they are and where they come from.
This is discussed on February 28 in the TSN story.
As protesters chant “Putin is a killer!” cars passing by support them with loud sounds of horns.
Usually, representatives of the diaspora go to rallies abroad. But this is not at all the option. Place Lafayette in front of the White House is packed to overflowing. Journalists there met representatives of completely different nationalities , because what is happening now in Ukraine cannot leave anyone indifferent.
“Firstly, he should impose sanctions on Putin, as he was going to, we need to continue and try to bring NATO into Ukraine to help people. It’s not fair that people there don’t have the means and weapons that others have in the war,” – said one of the protesters.
Demonstrators hold signs calling to close the skies over Ukraine and kick Russia out of the UN . Marion and Daniel do not speak Ukrainian and do not have Ukrainian roots, but they made a poster showing the direction of the Russian military. Marion survived the Holocaust and the bombing during World War II, and sees no difference in Putin's actions.
“The young soldiers who tried to defend the island stood up to the enemy practically unarmed,” the woman said, and as a message to the Russian troops she showed a gesture with her middle finger.
“And we are both convinced that this is genocide, this is not just a war, this is an attempt to destroy an entire country and its people,” the protester said.
Aside a small group of Russians . They say that most of their compatriots believe Russian propaganda and do not feel the sanctions.
“In Russia, few people travel – from Russia, within Russia. I think that most people go with cash and disconnecting from banking systems will not affect their trips to the store. Maybe in Moscow, maybe in St. Petersburg. But not in the regions” , the Russians said.
There are more Belarusians with flags in the crowd . They say that none of the friends and relatives believe or want war. But they are afraid that Lukashenka will send them to Ukraine.
“I hope they come to their senses. Just give up if you are sent, just give up, the Ukrainians are our brothers. They will not kill those who surrender,” the Belarusians said.
With the first chords of “Float the Kacha”, a rally of many thousands kneels to honor the memory of the fallen Ukrainian defenders.
