When Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted at 12:36 am on Sunday morning that he had finally arrived in Berlin, the police in Aachen were already sealing off the cathedral and the Katschhof. At the moment it is not even clear whether the Ukrainian president will actually receive the Charlemagne Prize.
A few hours later, on Sunday morning: Helicopters constantly circle over the city and numerous demonstrations have been announced. The enemy camps are gathering.
Participants in the large pro-Ukraine demonstration pour into the forecourt of the central station to follow a banner reading “Aachen stands next to Ukraine”. 1,000 people are registered.
Meanwhile, smaller groups of counter-demonstrators meet in places such as the Peace Park. Later, they will move in the direction of the demonstration procession and shout their opinions at those who pass by, including children and young people. But what are they protesting against? Signs read: “Protect children – stop arms exports.” Or, “I’m not at war with Russia.”
As the demonstration passes, they shout “Nazis out!” against the pro-Ukrainian protesters. and «Russia! Russia! Russia!” in contrast. Elena Kolbasnikova, standing on the Theaterplatz with the association “Bridge Friendship between Russia and Germany”, stands out from the crowd, with demonstrators from the new group “Awakening of German Patriots” of ex-AfD- member André Poggenburg.
“We are demonstrating for peace and against fascism,” says Kolbasnikova. “Weapons bring more wars, that’s not allowed!” For that reason, she decided to take to the streets against the pro-Ukrainian policy, with all its drawbacks. “I am currently unemployed. I’ve been fired twice since I’ve been involved,” Kolbasnikova claims, “and that in this oh so democratically free country.”
She wanted to demonstrate against the “one-sided reporting towards Russia” and was sure that the “truth” would eventually come to light: “Need I remind you that when Hitler came to power, he was also supported by Europe?” asks Kolbasnikova.
In this lecture, Russia wants to help Ukraine. It is about the denazization of the country, says Kolbasnikova. The US and NATO would try to destroy Russia.
A few meters away, in front of the Kurpark, an alliance under the banner “Unity and Peace in Europe” is demonstrating. This includes Klaus Peter Schleisiek, 77, who wants a diplomatic solution. “Zelensky! Caution! False friends just want to set fire to Ukraine against Russia,” his sign reads.
What does he think is a diplomatic solution? “Just separate the people who don’t like each other,” he suggests. A division of Ukraine could end the current conflict.
A little later, the various demonstration trains break up and the participants of all the rallies scatter over the city. The mood is mostly calm, with minor outliers that are quickly brought under control by the police. People sit in the Kurpark or in the numerous cafes in the city center, enjoy the sun and let the hustle and bustle pass by.
But then the mood gets heated again when, shortly before the presentation of the Charlemagne Prize, people scatter around the fences around Aachen Cathedral and the enemy camps meet directly.
Tensions are rising again. At the chicken market, right in front of the cathedral, demonstrators shout: “Warmongers out! Zelensky away!”
Swear words are used, the pro-Ukrainian demonstrators are again called Nazis. The spokeswoman claims: “I am for peace! I am for peace!” In the next sentence she shouts after a Ukrainian migrant that he has nothing to say as a migrant in Germany.
With so much hatred towards the Ukrainian people, Heinrich Kluck, 85, is getting the crisis, as he says. He and his wife had joined the pro-Ukrainian demonstrators who opposed Putin’s war of aggression and were insulted as warmongers by Putin supporters. The two ran in the back waving European flags.
“I’ve been through everything,” Kluck bursts out. “I was in the Bundeswehr myself, was a child of the war, I know what it means to be at war,” he says. And believe me, nobody wants that. Really nobody! I still have nightmares today!”
In any case, the various parties can be reduced to a common denominator: no one wants war, everyone wants peace. However, opinions differ widely on which peace is the right one.
Used sources:
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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