YABLOKO and human rights activists held a picket against the military operations in Ukraine
Press release , 07.03.2014
Today YABLOKO activists and human rights activists held a picket against military action in the Ukraine in the center of Moscow. The action was attended by Lev Ponomaryov, leader of the “For the Human Rights” movement, members of YABLOKO’s Political Committee Alexei Yablokov and Victor Sheinis and Galina Mikhaleva, Secretary of the Political Committee.
The picket was peaceful, although four police wagons were stationed nearby. The action was attended by over 200 people.
Alexei Yablokov believes that the Russian authorities have been conducting the great-power policies. “From my point of view, is the beginning of the end of Vladimir Putin’s regime. It is significant that not a single country supported the decision of the Russian authorities, ” Yablokov said. He also expressed concern about possible provocations that may lead to suffering of peaceful people.
Galina Mikhaleva
Galina Mikhaleva spoke about the consequences of the military intervention: “This will worsen the relations with all our fraternal countries, with Europe and the world, as well as worsen the situation in our country. Not a single country, as envisaged by the UN Charter, has the right to use violence in conflicts resolution,” she said. Mikhaleva also noted that it was in the Crimea, where the Crimean Tatars were subjected to mass reprisals, and people have not forgotten that.
YABLOKO warns the authorities and citizens of Russia, that solution to the conflict through violence is unacceptable, it is the second outbreak of the Cold War. We must prevent this by all possible means,” Mikhaleva said.
Galina Mikhaleva distributes leaflets about the situation in Ukraine
Lev Ponomaryov said that today’s picket marks the first steps of the antiwar movement. “I’m sure it will only grow. Hopefully, it will involve all the concerned citizens,” he said. Ponomaryov also called everyone to participate in further anti-war actions.
YABLOKO and human rights activists are planning to hold new protests soon.
Victor Sheinis
Alexei Yablokov
Posted: March 5th, 2014 under Russia-Ukraine relations.