On Saturday, thousands of people gathered in Berlin to protest against the German government’s decision to supply arms to Ukraine. The demonstration was organised by opposition lawmaker Sahra Wagenknecht of the ex-communist Left party and prominent feminist author Alice Schwarzer.
The organisers were criticised for not distancing themselves from far-right and far-left groups, which often have pro-Russia views. Wagenknecht made it clear that neo-Nazis were not welcome at the rally and that anyone who wanted peace “with an honest heart” was welcome.
The majority of placards at the protest reflected traditional left-wing positions, but some participants bore banners with the slogan “Americans go home” and the logo of a far-right magazine. Some waved Russian flags. Wagenknecht accused the German government of seeking to “ruin Russia”, and said that Moscow should be made an “offer” in order to resume peace talks.
The two organisers have also launched a petition which has gathered more than 645,000 signatures. Protesters jeered whenever Wagenknecht and Schwarzer mentioned the name of German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, who has strongly backed the delivery of arms to Ukraine.
Police estimated that around 13,000 people attended the rally at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, while organisers claimed that 50,000 people participated. One attendee, Konstantin Schneider, said he understood why countries in Eastern Europe were afraid of Russia but argued that new solutions should be found instead of simply saying there’s nothing to negotiate.
There were several small counter-demonstrations. On Friday, thousands of protesters across Europe had marched against Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In Paris, several hundred people sang Ukraine’s national anthem at Place de la Republique before Ukrainian children dressed in traditional costume led a procession.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently said that he does not see a prospect for peace talks at present. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin only accepts one form of negotiations: that Ukraine capitulates unconditionally and he achieves all of his aims.
The protest in Berlin was part of a larger movement calling for peace in Ukraine and an end to the war. It is clear that many people are deeply concerned about the situation and are determined to find a peaceful resolution.