Ukraine demonstration opposite the Russian embassy in Mitte: “Mr. Merz, Taurus now”

For many Ukrainians living in Berlin, the anniversary is a moment of momentum. A good time to draw attention to the dramatic situation in the war-torn and battered country. Whether at the Berlin Cathedral, on Bebelplatz or at the Brandenburg Gate : thousands of Ukraine supporters line the center of Berlin with flags and posters. But this Monday evening is a long way from a mass demonstration like the one shortly after the start of the war in March 2022 with up to 100,000 participants.

Ukrainians in Berlin: “The war is not over yet”

This year's rally, organized by Ukrainian refugees and pro-Ukrainian activists, is under the motto "Vote for Ukraine." They are demanding that Ukraine be immediately admitted to NATO and that more weapons be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces. "Taurus now, Taurus now," the crowd yells over and over again. At one point, a Ukrainian woman also joins in, adding: "Mr. Merz, Taurus now." Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz has always refused to send cruise missiles, which could also attack cities like Moscow, to Ukraine.

At the Lustgarten, where the largest group of Ukraine supporters gathered early on Monday evening, the demo organizers loudly shouted "Make Russia pay" and "Russia is a terrorist state." At the same time, gatherings also took place in front of the blue and yellow illuminated Brandenburg Gate and on Bebelplatz. At their rally, the Ukraine activist group Vitsche called for the confiscation of Russian state assets and the introduction of a war tax on Russian liquefied natural gas. Russia must be held financially responsible, demo participants told the Berliner Zeitung.

Many Ukrainians hold up posters with messages of peace. "The war is not over yet" or "Peace must be defended" are written on notes and banners. Some also demand "no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine". Hundreds of participants repeatedly shout "Slava Ukraini", which means "Glory to Ukraine". In addition to the numerous Ukrainian flags, Georgian, EU and opposition white-red-white Belarus flags can be seen at the rally. A red-black flag of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army was also hoisted by a demonstrator. Of the German political parties, the Greens are the only party to publicly support the Ukrainians.

The mild February weather in particular plays into the hands of the Ukraine supporters. On this third anniversary since the beginning of the war, a calm but determined mood prevails among the participants. While a police officer at times cites a low four-digit number of demonstrators, reporters from the Berliner Zeitung estimate that at least 4,000 people took part in the Ukraine rally.

Harsh insults against Putin in front of the Russian embassy

For Marta and Daria, two teenage Ukrainian girls, February 24th will be a dark day "forever and ever". They come from the Odessa region and fled to Germany shortly after the invasion began. "We want to return to our country at some point," they told the Berliner Zeitung. The two girls showed recent drone attacks in their home region on a cell phone. They also stressed the need to continue to support Ukraine - including militarily. For two Ukrainian girls who are not yet 18 years old, the two knew a lot about German military equipment such as the Marder, Leopard, Taurus and Co.

A short time later, the demonstration reached the Russian embassy. A few meters from the imposing building, the demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Stop the occupation, stop the war." The police remained largely relaxed throughout the evening, and there were no violent scenes near the embassy. Only Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin was repeatedly insulted in Ukrainian. However, no faces were seen looking out from the embassy building.