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Moscow anti-war rally draws thousands

Six months ago our politics took a sharp turn in a bad direction. Now it is just unbearable. I don't like Russia's politics in Ukraine. I don't like what's happening with the press," said protester Regina Shemoyeva.

By Ed Adamczyk
A march in Moscow, protesting Russia's position on Ukraine, drew thousands (CC/ wikimedia.org/ Putnik)
A march in Moscow, protesting Russia's position on Ukraine, drew thousands (CC/ wikimedia.org/ Putnik)

MOSCOW, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A Moscow demonstration, protesting Russia's involvement in Ukraine, drew thousands of participants.

The march Sunday drew about 20,000 people, although organizers said the number was higher and police claimed it was lower. Similar rallies took place in St. Petersburg and other cities in Russia. It was a significant demonstration against the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the first since 100,000 people organized in March to protest perceived election fraud.

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"I am disturbed that Russia is fueling a war in Ukraine," said Sergey Arefov, who attended the demonstration. "I believe it is very dangerous for us and for Europe." Referring to a small Ukrainian flag he carried, he added, "I hid the flag (on the subway ride to the protest). A year ago, I could never have imagined it would come to this."

Russia has claimed no participation in the Ukrainian conflict, but it has provoked a wave of nationalism in Russia, and permission to assemble for the protest may have been given to identify the extent of anti-war public opinion. The rally brought out dozens of small political parties, with little in common except for their disapproval of Putin's policies.

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"Six months ago our politics took a sharp turn in a bad direction. Now it is just unbearable. I don't like Russia's politics in Ukraine. I don't like what's happening with the press," said protester Regina Shemoyeva.

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