Anger, fear and shame: Hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens took to Twitter to express their attitude to the attack on Ukraine. There are also protests at the political level: more than 100 MPs from various cities in Russia are taking a clear position against Putin.
As Vladimir Putin wages his war in Ukraine, millions of Russians look on helplessly as a crime is committed in their name. Shock, disbelief, anger: there is great horror in Russian society. Despite decades of massive propaganda, Putin’s major speeches in recent days and the parallel world presented by state television, there is no sign of enthusiasm for war in Russia. On the contrary. On Thursday, a hashtag dominated Russian Twitter: #нетвойне. No to war.
Hundreds of thousands of people are using this hashtag to express their anger and despair. For many, it’s the only way to express their opinions. Even though even a like, a repost or a comment can mean prison for a Russian citizen in Putin’s Russia. And yet, among the more than 14 million Russian Twitter users, this hashtag is the most popular this Thursday.
“Please remember: Putin is not Russia. Our president was NOT elected by the people. The Russians do NOT want war. We are afraid for our Ukrainian brothers. We want peace. Peace together with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters,” writes one user and thus expresses the attitude of many of her compatriots.
“I didn’t choose that. We – Russian people – didn’t choose that. It’s disgusting and paralyzing to see what’s happening right now. No to war,” says one English teacher, expressing his attitude.
<x-embed class=”js-embed embed u-typo u-typo–article-text” consent=”pending” privacy-link=”https://www.stern.de/datenschutzbestimmungen-4541848.html” privacy-settings-link=”https://www.stern.de/politik/ausland/javascript:window._sp_.loadPrivacyManagerModal(237312)” srcdoc=’
‘ vendor-id=”5e71760b69966540e4554f01″ vendor-name=”Twitter”>
“Putin is a war criminal”
For others, shame prevails. “Today I am ashamed to be a Russian. Our country attacked a nation that historically was our closest friend. I cannot express how sorry I am for all the people of Ukraine. Many of us are against it.” , .
“You should be proud of your homeland, but I’m ashamed. This is a very dark day for our country. Putin is a war criminal!” tweeted another user, calling on his compatriots to gather to protest.
<x-embed class=”js-embed embed u-typo u-typo–article-text” consent=”pending” privacy-link=”https://www.stern.de/datenschutzbestimmungen-4541848.html” privacy-settings-link=”https://www.stern.de/politik/ausland/javascript:window._sp_.loadPrivacyManagerModal(237312)” srcdoc=’
‘ vendor-id=”5e71760b69966540e4554f01″ vendor-name=”Twitter”>
“I am a citizen of the Russian Federation and I reject any kind of war. I do not want the deaths of civilians and innocent people. Human lives are priceless. Stop”, .
protests despite threats
The mood in the country does not go unnoticed by the Russian authorities. They have threatened penalties in the event of demonstrations against the invasion of Ukraine. The Investigative Committee announced on Thursday that those who take part in rallies on the “tense foreign policy situation” will be prosecuted. Similar warnings were issued by the Interior Ministry and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In Moscow, the Red Square was blocked by the police as a precaution in the evening.
Nevertheless, there have already been protests. Like here in the Siberian city. When it’s freezing cold, people shout: “No to war!”
<x-embed class=”js-embed embed u-typo u-typo–article-text” consent=”pending” privacy-link=”https://www.stern.de/datenschutzbestimmungen-4541848.html” privacy-settings-link=”https://www.stern.de/politik/ausland/javascript:window._sp_.loadPrivacyManagerModal(237312)” srcdoc=’
‘ vendor-id=”5e71760b69966540e4554f01″ vendor-name=”Twitter”><x-embed class=”js-embed embed u-typo u-typo–article-text” consent=”pending” privacy-link=”https://www.stern.de/datenschutzbestimmungen-4541848.html” privacy-settings-link=”https://www.stern.de/politik/ausland/javascript:window._sp_.loadPrivacyManagerModal(237312)” srcdoc=’
‘ vendor-id=”5e71760b69966540e4554f01″ vendor-name=”Twitter”>
More than 100 municipal MPs take a stand against Putin
But not only ordinary Russian citizens turn against Putin and his war. More than 100 municipal deputies from different cities in Russia signed condemning the “special military operation” against Ukraine, as Putin called the invasion.
“We, the people-elected deputies, unreservedly condemn the attack by the Russian army on Ukraine,” the letter reads. “This is an unprecedented atrocity for which there is and cannot be justification.”
MPs are also distancing themselves from Putin: “Russian President Vladimir Putin made the decision to attack personally. We are convinced that the citizens of Russia did not give him such a mandate.”
The politicians from numerous cities in Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Veliky Novgorod, Samara, Ryazan, Yoshkar-Ola and many more warn: “The war with Ukraine will have catastrophic consequences. Thousands of people will die, injured and maimed, cities , dear to many Russians, are being destroyed. Our country awaits condemnation from the world community, isolation, rising prices and poverty. Hopes for a good life in Russia are crumbling before our eyes. We urge you not to take part in the engage in aggression and not condone it. Please don’t be silent: only massive popular condemnation can stop the war.”
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
