Yulia Navalnaya Leads Powerful Berlin March: 'Our Protests Must Continue!'

Amid the backdrop of Berlin’s vibrant streets, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, rallied thousands of supporters in a passionate call to action against President Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine. “One protest alone won't change anything. We need to keep coming out,” Navalnaya declared, leading one of her first rallies since she and other prominent opposition figures were forced into exile.

Marching with blue-and-white Russian opposition flags and Ukrainian banners, the crowd voiced their demands through chants of “no to war” and “Putin is a killer.” This gathering underscored the ongoing struggles faced by dissenters in Russia, where opposition to the Kremlin has led to the imprisonment of hundreds—potentially thousands—of individuals for their political beliefs.

The protesters articulated three key demands: the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, the prosecution of Putin as a “war criminal,” and the release of all political prisoners in Russia. Central to the rally was the plight of individuals affected by the war, as both Russian and Ukrainian voices resonated together with a common cause.

Ukrainian activists have previously accused the Russian opposition of being complacent regarding their suffering. Just the week prior, at a speech in Lisbon, Navalnaya faced interruptions from Ukrainian demonstrators demanding her condemnation of the war, which she ultimately provided. This Berlin demonstration appeared to be a strategic effort to reconnect with those sentiments and showcase solidarity.

Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization Memorial and a direct victim of the Kremlin’s oppressive policies, joined Navalnaya at the protest. Sporting a sign reading, “Victory for Ukraine, Defeat for Putin, Freedom for Russia,” Orlov emphasized the importance of continuous military aid to Ukraine. “A victory for Putin in Ukraine will cement his fascist regime in Russia for years to come,” he told reporters, urging European powers to understand the broader implications of their policies toward Russia’s aggression.

The protest culminated outside the Russian embassy on Unter den Linden, where Navalnaya and fellow leaders addressed the crowd from the back of a truck, linking arms in a gesture of unity and gratitude. As chants erupted from the crowd, Navalnaya reminded attendees that her husband believed protests should be as routine as going to work. She passionately appealed for continued demonstrations, not just for the freedom of those exiled, but for political prisoners and those who have lost their lives.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, another prominent opposition figure who was recently released from over two years of imprisonment, expressed pride to witness the gathering. “There are millions in Russia who oppose this war and Putin’s regime, but protesting there can lead to severe consequences, even imprisonment,” he noted, referring to his 11 months spent in solitary confinement. He boldly condemned the Russian embassy as “a spy nest of Russia,” vowing that it must serve the people, not the regime.

The emotional gathering in Berlin not only highlighted ongoing resistance to Putin's rule but also marked a significant moment of unity among exiled Russians and their allies. As Navalnaya steamed ahead with her rallying cries for justice, this was not just a protest; it was a movement looking toward a brighter future for all those living under oppression. The next steps remain crucial—will this momentum translate into tangible change for Russia and Ukraine? The world watches closely.