On March 1, 2025, Berlin became the backdrop for a significant protest led by key figures of the Russian opposition, including prominent activists Yulia Navalnaya, Ilya Yashin, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. The demonstration, which drew several hundred attendees to Potsdamer Platz, unfolded under the poignant slogan, "Russia Against Putin," spotlighting the challenges facing Russians at home and abroad.
The march coincided with what Kara-Murza described as "three black February dates," reflecting on the somber anniversaries of Alexey Navalny's assassination, the three-year mark since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the tenth anniversary of Boris Nemtsov's murder. Kara-Murza highlighted the stark realities of state oppression and called for accountability, underscoring the movement's insistence on embracing democracy and human rights.
Ilya Yashin, addressing the gathered crowd, emphasized the personal nature of the conflict, asserting, "This war is not about trading deals; it's about human lives. For me, it’s not just politics; it's personal.” Yashin's statements resonate with the protesters, many of whom grasp the war's violent ramifications on their communities. He asserted the urgent need for negotiations to secure Ukraine's safety, repudiated the notion of war being commodified or trivialized, and voiced discontent with foreign interests overshadowing humanitarian consequences.
The demonstration also featured various factions, including nationalists from the "Russian Volunteer Corps" who have sided with Ukraine, proudly marching with Russian tricolors and chanting, "Russia is us." Their presence reflects the diverse, sometimes fractious, nature of Russian opposition groups abroad who seek to articulate their vision for the future of Russia.
Another poignant aspect of the demonstration was underscored by members of the human rights organization "Memorial," which has been suppressed by the Russian government. They marched with banners proclaiming, "For the freedom of political prisoners," highlighting the repressive environment against dissenting voices within Russia. Such acts serve not only as reminders of the struggles for human rights but also as pleas for international attention.
While many participants voiced their opposition to the Kremlin's policies, they also shared hopes for change, freedom, and peace. The organic outpouring of voices aligned against authoritarianism echoed through the streets of Berlin, with many participants acknowledging their shared vision for Russia’s future.
Despite the precarious atmosphere surrounding demonstrations advocating for political change, Kara-Murza and his compatriots remain unwavering. "If we don't voice our concerns now, when will we?" he urged, rallying supporters with moments of solidarity and inspiring chants under overcast skies.
International observers and supporters, both from the Russian diaspora and local allies, lent their voices to the cause, affirming the event's significance beyond Berlin and galvanizing global attention to the dire human rights situation under Putin’s regime.
For many present, the rally was not only about Russia's internal struggles but also about rallying together against shared adversities, underscoring the interconnectedness of all who oppose tyranny.
The atmosphere at Potsdamer Platz was palpable, filled with energy, determination, and the hope of achieving lasting change. Demonstrators expressed their readiness to confront adversity on multiple fronts, making it clear the opposition to Putin's regime would continue unabated, regardless of the government's retaliatory measures.
The event underscored the resilience and determination of the Russian opposition, illustrating their commitment to fighting for justice, democracy, and freedom against the backdrop of continued repression. Challenging the Kremlin's narrative, the activists' voices unite the local and international communities, emphasizing collective action to realize their vision for Russia.