On November 17, 2024, Berlin was the stage for a significant demonstration led by prominent Russian opposition figures, including Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Alexei Navalny, alongside Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, both recently freed from Russian custody. The protest was framed as both a rallying cry against President Vladimir Putin and his war on Ukraine, and as a plea for democracy and the release of political prisoners back home.
Conducted under the slogan "Stop Putin! Stop the War! Freedom for Political Prisoners!", the march saw participation from nearly 2,000 individuals. These activists gathered at Potsdamer Platz, intertwined with the historical significance of their route passing landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the erstwhile Checkpoint Charlie, symbolizing the division of East and West Berlin during the Cold War. The event culminated outside the Russian Embassy, where protesters displayed banners bearing messages like “No Putin. No War” and chants of “Russia without Putin!” filled the air.
Navalnaya, taking on the mantle of leadership following her husband’s death earlier this year, passionately declared, "If I have to climb up a table and say Putin is a murderer, then I'll climb up and say it!" Her defiance encapsulated the sentiments of many who feel despair at the current state of Russia. "This isn't just about today; we need continuous protests, not just one-time events. This is about those who cannot protest back home because they are imprisoned or have perished during Putin’s regime," she emphasized.
The backdrop of this demonstration was deeply personal yet politically charged. Navalny’s death ignited outrage and propelled those loyal to his cause to reaffirm their commitment to fight against Putin's aggressive tactics and war crimes. "One protest alone won't change anything. We need to keep coming out," Navalnaya added, speaking to the importance of perseverance and visibility for those adversely impacted by the Kremlin’s actions.
Participants sported both Russian and Ukrainian flags alongside the blue-and-white banner of the Russian opposition, with many voicing solidarity with Ukraine. The protest also held significant symbolic weight as panellists and activists debated the effectiveness and morality of Russia's aggressive military maneuvers against Ukraine. Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Memorial, carried a sign proclaiming, "Victory for Ukraine, Defeat for Putin, Freedom for Russia," invoking the need for continuous support for Ukraine from its allies and the importance of aiding those oppressed by Putin's regime.
Speakers at the rally reiterated three demands set forth by the opposition: the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, holding Putin accountable as a war criminal, and the release of all political prisoners. The opposition had aimed to demonstrate united resistance against Putin's regime and highlight the plight of both Russian and Ukrainian civilians caught amid the crushing duress of the war.
Despite the poignant nature of the event, the atmosphere was not entirely devoid of tension. Some Ukrainians criticized the Russian opposition for not visibly supporting Ukrainian suffering earlier as the war escalated. The sentiment echoed during the rally with chants of “No to war” as well as allegations of blame directed toward the Kremlin, which led to dialogues about the obligations of exiled Russians towards their homeland and the cruelty of the invasion. This sentiment was articulated by one protester who acknowledged the complexity of the slogan “Putin = war,” asserting the notion of collective accountability among Russians.
The march reflects not only the opposition movement's continuing struggle to galvanize support but also its challenge of holding unified views on their strategy. Exiled dissidents have been divided on various initiatives and approaches to protest against the regime, making their efforts to present a strong front more complex. This division isn't trivial, as many anti-war activists face immense risk back home—mysterious deaths, arrests, and violence remain common occurrences against dissenters.
Vladimir Kara-Murza, reflecting on his experience of more than two years of imprisonment, noted, "There are millions in Russia who feel the same way. But it’s impossible to do what we just did here today." Adding weight to his statements, he called the Russian Embassy “a spy nest of Russia,” illustrated his thoughts on how the embassy symbolizes everything wrong with Putin’s regime, reiteratively denouncing it. He expressed pride at witnessing the multitude of attendees rallying for democracy and capturing what the Russian people truly wish across borders.
The demonstration also showcased the deep-rooted feelings of hopelessness among the exile community. Many people voiced cynicism, saying it’s futile to keep protesting when the situation seems dire. One Russian expatriate voiced, “The mood now among Russians abroad is bad. People don’t believe in change. Everything looks bad. They see no point in protesting.” This feeling contrasts sharply with the energy seen at the demonstration, showing the dual narratives of despair and defiance within the community.
The event ended on the steps of the Russian Embassy, where the group demonstrated their unwavering resilience and hope for change. “We’re not just doing this for ourselves; we do it for all the political prisoners and those who can’t come out,” Navalnaya told the crowd, her commitment to her deceased husband’s legacy palpable. She urged those present to keep protesting, insisting it remained their duty to stand up against what they viewed as injustice. “Our fight goes on; we will continue to speak out and bring attention to our home,” she concluded.
This march was pivotal, breathing life back to the opposition movement flailing for relevance post-Navalny’s death. It not only amplified the anti-war sentiments but served as a platform for unity among the Russian diaspora and their allies. The collective voice echoed far beyond Berlin, holding the promise of future demonstrations, strategies to support Ukraine, and steps being taken to combat Putin’s regime. With this rally, the activists reinforced their solidarity not only within their ranks but with those who continue to suffer—setting the stage for potential greater mobilizations against authoritarianism.
