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Russians say 'no' to Putin’s war on Ukraine by protesting on streets, hundreds arrested

Anti-war protests flare up in several Russian cities, including Putin's hometown of Saint Petersburg, but were quickly shut down by armed police

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western allies of "consequences you have never seen" if they interfered in his invasion of Ukraine. It appears that his brutal approach also extends to both Ukraine and his own citizens. Hundreds of Russians have reportedly been arrested following anti-war protests all over the country, including in Putin's hometown of Saint Petersburg. 

It's not just Russians who are defiant, but the Ukrainians as well. On February 24, audio emerged of a Ukrainian soldier telling a Russian warship to "go f**k yourself" before being bombed on Snake Island. Social media users worldwide have also been hailing a Ukrainian fighter pilot, dubbed 'The Ghost of Kyiv,' for his valiant fight, and downing at least six Russian jets. It has also emerged that Ukrainians have since retaken the airport near Kyiv, indicating that the nation isn't going to go down without a fight. 

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Hundreds of Russian nationals also defied their President Vladimir Putin and stage anti-war protests across several cities. Images and videos from the protests are now going viral, along with the brutal crackdown on them by Russian police. Nonetheless, the citizens are being hailed for their bravery despite knowing the deadly consequences of their actions. 

Anti-war protests sweep Russia

POLITICO reported that protests broke out in 53 Russian cities as of February 24, including Moscow, Novosibirsk, and even smaller cities like Chelyabinsk. Carnegie Research Institute fellow Paul Stronski said, "It’s an indication they don’t want war — yet, given the level of authoritarianism in Russia, those protesters are brave people." By far, the largest of those protests occurred in Saint Petersburg outside the city's Palace Square. 

Within hours, Russian police reportedly detained at least 1,702 people in all, mostly in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. "I thought that we would never see a war like this in the 21st century, it turns out we live in the Middle Ages," one defiant Moscow protestor told The Guardian. Another said, "I am embarrassed for my country." Many protestors brought cardboard signs and were captured by journalists shortly before police moved in to swiftly detain them.

It appears that Putin's war is also unpopular with Russian celebrities, including chess ace Garry Kasparov and football player Fyodor Smolov. While the two chose to speak out on social media, many decided to take to the streets and were hailed by people all over the world for their bravery. Footage of the protests is now going viral, as users praise Russians for risking their lives for Ukraine. 

'People are not the state that rules them'

"Thousands of people attend an anti-war protest in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Their bravery is humbling," one person tweeted. Another said, "So incredibly moving to see the extraordinary courage of Russian citizens demonstrating against the #WarInUkraine across Russia." A third said, "There is hope. The world has more people with love in their hearts than hate. It’s time to show that love. Anti war protest in St. Petersburg, Russia."

"This is what Ukraine really needs. Support from the local Russians. Humanity above War. Anti-War protests against Putin in Russia. The sheer bravery from Russians," said one person. Another tweeted, "There are widespread anti war protests in Russia right now. I hope that's a reminder that people are not the state that rules them, and that this aggression from the Russian state is against the Ukrainian and Russian people." One user said, "Anti war protests seem to spreading in Russia. This should serve as a reminder that the issue is Putin, not ordinary Russians."