Russian Opposition Marches in Berlin Against Putin

An anti-war march in Berlin on November 17, 2024, led by prominent Russian opposition figures including Yulia Navalnaya, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Ilya Yashin, drew between 1,500 to 7,000 participants according to various sources. The protesters voiced demands for 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. Tensions arose during the rally when a participant displayed the Russian tricolor flag, which some activists associated with the Kremlin and sought to remove. Despite efforts to maintain unity, the presence of the flag highlighted ongoing divisions within the Russian opposition regarding symbols of national identity. The protest concluded outside the Russian embassy, emphasizing a call for democracy in Russia and support for Ukraine. This event serves as a critical moment for the Russian anti-war movement, which has faced challenges in presenting a unified front amid internal strife and differing perspectives.