Peace demonstration for Ukraine on Munich’s Odeonsplatz
Around 1,000 people demonstrated on Munich’s Odeonsplatz in the afternoon under the motto “Together against the war in Ukraine”. The “Ukrainians in Munich and Bavaria”, i.e. the Ukrainian community and various organizations of Ukrainians as well as an alliance of parties, including the SPD Bavaria, Volt Bayern, and the Munich associations of FDP Greens, Free Voters and CSU, had called.
Call for an energy embargo
Many demonstrators were wrapped in yellow and blue flags dedicated to the victims of Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel. There were many Ukrainians of all ages, including many who had fled to Munich from Ukraine during the more than six-week war. Posters called for an energy embargo against Russia. One poster read: Germany should stop paying for the murders in Ukraine.
Minute of silence for the victims of war
The rally began with a minute’s silence for the victims. The first speakers thanked Germany, Bavaria and the many private individuals for the help and for taking in refugees. Some posters drew a direct link between gas imports and the financing of the war and thus the atrocities committed by Russian soldiers. If Putin can only pay his soldiers with worthless money, the war will end faster, a demonstrator told BR.
Minister of Justice Eisenreich among the speakers
Victory over the aggressor Russia was invoked in chants. “Slava Ukraini” – which can be translated as: “Glory to Ukraine” rang out from the loudspeakers and hundreds of throats on the Odeonsplatz. In addition to the flags of Ukraine, the European flag was often seen, as well as the flags of Estonia and Georgia. The Munich CSU leader and Bavarian Minister of Justice Georg Eisenreich were expected to be among the speakers. The rally was scheduled to last until 5 p.m.