Berlin Hosts Historic Anti-War Rally Against Putin

Navalnaya, Yashin,  Kara-Murza & Thousands Rally in Berlin to Oppose Putin’s Reign
and Call for Peace in Ukraine

Berlin witnessed one of the most significant anti-Putin rallies outside Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Sunday to show solidarity with Ukrainian citizens and to demand an end to Russian President Vladimir Putin's rule.

Organised by prominent Russian opposition leaders in exile — Ilya Yashin, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Yulia Navalnaya — the rally united activists, political dissidents, and supporters from around the globe. The resounding message was clear: a call for peace in Ukraine, the liberation of political prisoners, and a future for Russia as a democratic nation.

Chants of "Russia without Putin" echoed through the streets as participants marched in defiance of Kremlin aggression. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, captivated the crowd with her poignant call to action: "We must fight against this war that Putin started in Ukraine. We stand for those imprisoned, those silenced, and those who have been killed for opposing tyranny."

Navalnaya's presence was a symbol of hope, drawing both admiration and gratitude from attendees.

Diana, a Ukrainian participant draped in her national flag, spoke of the war's toll on her family, split between occupied Crimea and free Ukraine. “This war has divided us, but I’m here to do whatever I can for peace,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

For many Russians in exile, the rally provided a rare space for connection and shared understanding. Angelina Shtevakh, a resident of Germany for over a decade, described the gathering as therapeutic: "It’s amazing to be among people who think like me. This feels like home."

Inna Mosina, a recent Russian refugee now in Germany, expressed a renewed sense of hope. “This rally has been the most uplifting experience since I left Russia. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this fight.”

For journalist Mikhail Fishman of TV Rain, the rally was about reaching those who remain inside Russia. “This is a message to those who feel alone in their kitchens, whispering their thoughts. We want them to know there are people like them, fighting for freedom.”

While the path to change may seem daunting, gatherings like these offer a vital reminder: the voice of opposition remains strong, united, and determined.

Ilya Yashin emphasized the importance of unity and action: "We need to get out there, unite, negotiate and focus on issues that concern us all if we want to be a fully-fledged political anti-war movement."

Vladimir Kara-Murza, who endured imprisonment and attempts on his life for speaking out against Putin’s regime, marched with unwavering determination. “I have no doubt Russia will become a democratic country,” he affirmed. His words reflected the resilience of those still fighting for change despite significant personal cost.

Fearing for the lives of Vladimir Kara-Murza and others wrongfully kept in prison in Russia and Belarus – especially after the death of Alexei Navalny – Cinema for Peace took action to enable a breakthrough for the prisoners' exchange of Kara-Murza, Evan Gershkovic, Paul Whelan and others by sending former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder‘s confidant Detlef Prinz to the German chancellery, to Moscow and to Ankara in order to strike a deal, after all official negotiations had failed for more than a year and Alexei Navalny had died. While bureaucrats endangered the objectives of this mission again, which involved several governments, courageous heads of state like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with Minister of Justice Dr. Marco Buschmann, and particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan proved effective. Shortly later US President Joe Biden and Chancellor Scholz announced the exchange of prisoners.

Cinema for Peace, prior to the prisoner exchange initiative, evacuated a member of Pussy Riot and Alexei Navalny, who were in life-threatening danger, from Russia to Berlin. In previous years, we collaborated with figures such as Garry Kasparov, Bill Browder, and Mikhail Gorbachev and co-produced the film “Letter to Anna” about the murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, featuring Susan Sarandon, Iris Berben, and Catherine Deneuve. This film was honoured by Václav Havel.