Vladimir Putin has said there is widespread public support for the invasion of Ukraine, but until the evening, thousands of people in cities across Russia have defied police threats to take to the central squares and protest against the military campaign.
Police have arrested at least 1,346 people until today's evening, while trying to block protests. Most of the arrests were made in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where the crowds were larger. Protesters chanted: "No war!"
For Ukrainians, public opposition to the war may occur much later. Authorities say at least 40 soldiers have been killed and many more civilians injured.
"If the Russian authorities do not want to sit down with us to discuss peace, maybe they will sit down with you," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the Russians on Thursday morning, noting that most Russians oppose the invasion of Ukraine. .
Recommended articles:
