‘Stand with Ukraine’ rally draws hundreds in Berlin

BERLIN (AA) - Several hundred protesters gathered Thursday in the German capital to show solidarity with Ukraine after Russia launched a military offensive against that country.

They waved Ukrainian flags and shouted “Stop wars, stop Putin!” during the rally in front of Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg Gate.

Some protesters held signs with slogans that read: “Stop Russian Aggression,” “Unite against a new Hitler” and “Stand with Ukraine.”

Andriy Bludov told Anadolu Agency he is worried about his parents amid the continuous bombardment of Ukrainian cities.

“They are desperately trying to take shelter. My mother and father, they are sending me messages. But I really don’t know what to do,” he said.

Bludov displayed homemade signs with photos showing civilians who were killed and injured Thursday during the bombardment, which were taken by Anadolu Agency correspondents in Ukraine.

“People are dying in each minute. Not only soldiers but also civilians,” said Bludov. He implored the international community to step up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the military intervention.

Another protester, who asked not to be identified, said Ukraine needs more support from European countries.

“We need to stop this war. If Ukraine falls, others will be next,” she said.

Putin announced a military intervention in Ukraine early Thursday, days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine.

He said the action followed a request for help from authorities in Donetsk and Luhansk, claiming that Moscow had no plan to occupy its neighboring territory but wanted to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.

Explosions were reported in several Ukrainian cities throughout the day, including the capital, Kyiv, and tanks reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to install a puppet government and said Ukrainians will defend their country against Russian aggression.