War in Ukraine: Russians against Putin: Demonstrations want to express support for Ukraine
A few days after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a Russian association called Antwar was established in Prague, which founded by Russian journalists, experts and artists living in Prague. They were inspired by a similar anti-war initiative founded by internationally renowned Russians, such as the famous chess grandmaster Garri Kasparov.
(Not only) Russian academics and artists
“When I registered that this initiative had been set up, I decided to establish a similar one in Prague. I approached several of my friends with my idea, such as Alexandra Morozovova, who lectures at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University and is a well-known expert on Russian issues, as well as Anton Litvinov, artist and director of the Prague Kulturus Festival, he lectures himself at Charles University and came to Prague two years ago.
In order to spread the idea as easily as possible, a special Facebook group was created. “We started reaching out to other people, our friends and also those which we knew were already somehow involved in helping Ukraine“Says Bilunov. The people in the group support each other and advise where help is most needed. Some even go to Central Station or the Congress Center to help as volunteers.
The group also supports a global initiative that decided to change the Russian flag in opposition to Putin’s assassination. “The red color was removed from the flag as a symbol of blood, leaving only blue and white. In blue and white, we also started making badges “Russians against Putin,” explains Denis Bilunov.
From happenings to demonstrations
But Antwar still felt that was not enough. Meetings were held at the Russian embassy or on Wenceslas Square in the past, but it was not very massive, mostly around a hundred people came. The association therefore decided to organize demonstrationswhich begins with a march through Prague and then demonstrates in the Old Town Square.
“It was not an easy decision, we were not sure how many people could arrive. But Putin ‘s war changed everything and I feel it is important to make it clear which side we are on. We clearly condemn Putin’s aggression, we support Ukraine, Europe and the Czech Republic, and we want to say it publicly.Bilunov emphasized. The demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, March 26. The meeting is at 1 pm on Peace Square, from where it will take a procession to the Old Town Square, where the program will follow.
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