Thousands at the demonstration of Schwarzer and Wagenknecht for peace negotiations with Russia Many Swiss solidarity with Ukraine – but Putin sensibles are also marching

Several thousand people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin for a meeting for negotiations with Russia in the war in Ukraine. Left-wing politician Sahra Wagenknecht and women’s rights activist Alice Schwarzer called for the demonstration. The number of participants is estimated by the Berlin police at at least 10,000. A spokeswoman for the organizers spoke of about 50,000 participants, and a lot of people turned up.

A dpa reporter reported a massive influx and large crowds on both sides of the Brandenburg Gate – despite the sleet and cold. Some participants carried peace dove flags.

“It is already very busy on March 18 Square and people continue to flock to the meeting,” the police tweeted in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the S-Bahn and U-Bahn no longer stopped at the Brandenburg Gate. Police were on duty during rallies for the ongoing Russian assault on Ukraine involving 1,400 troops, she wrote on Twitter. A few smaller counter-demonstrations were also recorded near the Brandenburg Gate, with mostly double-digit participation numbers.

The “Rebellion for Peace” rally website called on participants to refrain from party and national flags. “Right-wing flags, decals and symbols have no place in our rally,” it says.

“Manifesto for Peace”

With the meeting, Wagenknecht and Schwarzer want to substantiate their demands to tackle the Russian offensive war in Ukraine. Two weeks ago they published a “Manifesto for Peace” calling on Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to “stop the escalation of arms deliveries”. The women’s rights activist and left-wing politician are calling for a ceasefire and peace negotiations with Russia. Critics had accused Wagenknecht and Schwarzer of being “naive”.

Scholz and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) also made it clear that they did not share the conviction. One must understand “that the Russian president currently accepts only one form of negotiation, which is for someone to capitulate unconditionally and realize all his goals,” said Scholz. However, on the Internet on Saturday afternoon, more than 640,000 people declared their approval of the “Manifesto”.

200 people demonstrate in Zurich for peace

About 200 people took part in a demonstration in Zurich on Saturday “End the war – for peace and friendship between peoples!” took part. Among other things, a “no to arms shipments” and “an end to sanctions against Russia” were demanded.

“Fight against imperialism, the root of war,” it said in the call for the meeting “against fascism and nationalism” and “no further rapprochement of Switzerland with NATO,” which is an “imperialist war alliance.” The Russian invasion of Ukraine was also condemned.

Behind the rally was the alliance “End War”, which includes various personalities and organizations such as the Labor Party (PdA), the Swiss Peace Movement (SFB), the Animal Rights Group Zurich (TRGZH) and the singer-songwriter Pippo Pollina .

Almost at the same time, Russians rallied against the war elsewhere in Zurich. They condemned the “criminal war” and campaigned for “peace and victory for Ukraine” and “freedom for Russia”.

(sda/dpa)