Over 559 people were arrested during demonstrations on Sunday in 21 cities across Russia against of President Vladimir Putin invasion of Ukraine, according to a Russia-based independent protest monitor.
Surveillance of OVD-Info events group noted people were arrested during protests, including in Russia’s Pacific port city of Vladivostok and Siberia city of Irkutsk. Opposition activists posted videos showing demonstrations in other cities.
Reuters was unable to independently verify information. Reuters could not reach spokespersons. for the police in Vladivostok or Irkutsk. The Russian Interior Ministry could not be reached for comment.
The Ministry of the Interior warns on on Saturday that any attempt to organize unauthorized demonstrations would be prevented and the organizers held accountable.
A video posted on social media showed a protester on a square in Far East city of Khabarovsk shouting: “No to war – how aren’t you ashamed” before two police officers arrest him.
The police used loudspeakers to tell a small group of protesters in Khabarovsk: “Respected citizens, you participate in an unauthorized public event. We demand you scatter.”
Reuters was unable to independently verify post.
Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny had called for protests on Sunday through Russia and the rest of the world against the invasion launched by Russia on February 24.
About 2,000 people attended a demonstration against the war in most grand from Kazakhstan city Almaty videos posted on social media show. Reuters was unable to independently verify the postings.
The crowd shouted slogans such as “No to war” and “Putin is an asshole”, while waving Ukrainian flags.
The activists put on blue and yellow Balloons in the main of an imposing statue of Lenin over the small place where the rally took place.
“Because of Putin, Russia now means war for numerous people”, Navalny said. on Friday. “It’s not true: it was Putin and not Russia who attacked Ukraine.”
Putin, Russia’s supreme leader since 1999, ordered what he presents as a special military operation in defense of Russian-speaking communities against persecution in Ukraine and prevent the United States from using Ukraine menace Russia.
The West called his arguments a baseless pretext for the war and imposed sanctions aimed at crippling Russia economy. The United States, Britain and some other NATO members have supplied arms to Ukraine.
Putin’s approval ratings have skyrocketed in Russia since the invasionaccording to Moscow-based pollsters.
Putin’s rating increased by 6% points at 70% in the week to February 27, according to state pollster VsTIOM. The FOM sounder, which provides research for the Kremlin said Putin’s rating rose 7% points at 71% in the same week.
