Ні війні : Londoners take to the street against Putin’s war in Ukraine

Trafalgar Square was engulfed by the yellows and blues of the Ukrainian flag this weekend as protests continued over the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Photo by Kimberley Edmondston-Douse

Thousands came together to show support for the nation and to call on the British government to do more – by offering aid, taking refugees, and encouraging further sanctions.

There had previously been protests outside of the Russian embassy and then 10 Downing Street, which took place immediately after war was declared by Russia.

“Stop Putin, stop the war!” was a popular chant. The protestors also remarked on the need for solidarity between the UK and Ukraine, called for more sanctions globally, and protection of Ukrainian airspace through the introduction of a no-fly zone.

Speakers emphasised the need to keep the war in Ukraine on everybody’s mind, urging protesters to inform their colleagues. They say, “If the issue is forgotten, the aid will stop.” One of the best ways to help, a Ukrainian speaker urged, “is to keep both yourselves and those around you informed”.

A young girl of about 8 or 9 spoke, reminding those in the crowd of the impact on civilians. She gave a horrifying personal account of the war, telling the protesters of her grandmother in Kyiv who has to shelter every night.

There were a striking number of Russian protestors, who called for it to be known that the war is of Putin’s making, and that the Russian people should not be held responsible. They stood in full solidarity with Ukraine, and against their nation’s leader.

This is just one of a number of protests happening globally. People have left their homes and gathered in support of those in Ukraine all across the UK, with protests taking place in Bristol, Edinburgh, and Manchester. In the USA, Japan, Germany, Australia, and many more countries, there have been similar protests. A number have taken place in Russia, leading to the arrest of hundreds of Russian citizens.

There will be protests for the rest of this week at Trafalgar Square. Many UCL societies are posting to Instagram and Twitter about them regularly, most notably SSEES society and UCL Ukrainian Society. Here, information can be found about upcoming protests, donation drives, and other events to aid Ukraine.