Russia Attacks Ukraine: Thousands Protest In Moscow Against Putin's Action In Ukraine, Several Detained

Despite anti-protest legislation, several thousand people gathered near Pushkin Square in central Moscow to protest the move by Russian military.

A man holds a placard reading "No war" during a protest at Pushkinskaya Square on February 24, 2022 in Moscow, Russia| Photo: Getty

Russian military operation in Ukraine has not only been condemned by leaders across the world, but protests within the country is growing against President Vladimir Putin's aggression.

According to news agency AFP, more than 1,700 people protesting Putin's move against Ukraine were detained by Russian police from different parts of the country.

Despite anti-protest legislation, several thousand people gathered near Pushkin Square in central Moscow to protest the move by the Russian military. Close to 1,000 people had also gathered at Saint Petersburg, reported AFP.

More than 900 people were arrested in Moscow alone, while 400 arrests were made in Saint Petersburg. Protestors in fifty three Russian cities stood in solidarity with Ukraine.

While speaking to AFP in Moscow, a 23-year-old protester Anastasia Nestulya said "I am in shock. My relatives and loved ones live in Ukraine."

"What can I tell them over the phone? You hang in there?" she said further addressing her family.

Another protester, Svetlana Volkova, 37 said, "I have a feeling that the authorities have gone mad."

"People have been fooled by propaganda," she added protesting against Russian military action in Ukraine.

Russian authorities warned anti-war sympathisers from holding protests and threated them of legal consequences for "the tense foreign political situation".

"One should be aware of the negative legal consequences of these actions in the form of prosecution up to criminal liability," the AFP quoted a government investigative committee.

Since Thursday, sixty eight people have been killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Russain Defence Ministry claims to have destroyed 74 military infrastructure facilities across Ukraine including 11 aerodromes. 

Putin on Thursday announced 'military operation' in Ukraine to defend separatists in the eastern part of the country. "I have made the decision of a military operation," declared Putin in an address to the nation.

The Russian president also threatened retaliation against anybody challenging Russia's military action in Ukraine.

"Anyone who tries to interfere with us, or even more so, to create threats for our country and our people, must know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to such consequences as you have never before experienced in your history," Putin said in a televised address.