Hundreds Converge at Peace Demo Against Ukraine War in Berlin
On a chilly, rainy Saturday afternoon, hundreds of individuals gathered for a peace demonstration crusading against the Ukraine war and weapons deliveries in front of the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The police estimated around 2,000 attendees during the event's kickoff at 1 p.m., with registration pegged at 10,000 participants.
Former Left Party politician and founder-to-be, Sahra Wagenknecht, delivered a passionate speech, urging her audience to reject war and curb the arms race, aiming for a more peaceful and equitable future. Holding up signs with messages like "Never Again War" and "End the Arms Madness," the demonstrators expressed their opinions for hours, even referencing the Gaza conflict.
Protests Got a New Vibe with "No to Wars" Rally
Held under the banner "No to Wars - Stop the Arms Madness - Shape a Peaceful, Just Future," the rally condemned both the Russian invasion and NATO, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations to resolve issues peacefully.
Parallel events saw several hundred environmental activists from Letzte Generation blocking Straße des 17, causing disruptions from noon to 5 p.m.
Beyond This Event: Ongoing Peace Initiatives and Demonstrations
The spirit of peace protests is alive and thriving, with various events and figures joining the cause. One highly anticipated movement, "Nie wieder Krieg" (Never Again War), is planning a massive peace demonstration in Berlin on October 3, 2024. Other events, such as an open briefing at the UN Security Council, aim to bring international leaders together to discuss Ukraine's situation.
While Sahra Wagenknecht wasn’t directly involved in the recent Berlin protest, her activism against war and far-right politics continues to be influential in the broader peace movement. Efforts like the Code Pink appeal to US Vice President Kamala Harris to cease support for military conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine expose the global demand for peace initiatives and diplomacy over military violence.
