“Stop this crazy war – now!” Dieter Reiter (SPD) addressed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin with strong words on Wednesday evening – and the Mayor of Munich was not alone. According to the police, around 45,000 people came to Königsplatz to demonstrate against the Russian attacks on Ukraine.
“We are all Ukrainians today,” said Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) to the demonstrators at the rally from the stage. In her speech, the President of the Landtag, Ilse Aigner, recalled Germany’s past. “Never again do we want to be on the wrong side of history,” she said. Freedom and democracy must be defended.
A total of 17 speakers were announced for the event, including the consuls general of Ukraine and the USA as well as representatives of all other parties – except for the AfD.
45,000 demo participants at the top
Already at the beginning of the demonstration, shortly after 6 p.m., several thousand people were on the Königsplatz. 5000 participants were registered. The police soon reported 30,000 demonstrators, followed shortly thereafter by 45,000. The emergency services themselves were on site with a good 500 officers.
Many people came with banners and placards, wearing accessories in the national colors of Ukraine, blue and yellow, to show their support. The messages on the signs are the same as they have been since February 24, when Russia began attacking Ukraine: “Stop Putin” was often read, “Protect Ukraine” or “Let peace win”.
The mood among the people was calm and level-headed. The words, on the other hand, were combative: Reiter spoke of an “inhuman war against peaceful citizens that violates international law”. He was stunned by “this barbaric act” by Russia’s president. “I never would have thought that my grandchildren would ask me whether the tanks would also come to Munich.” As with the refugee crisis in 2015, Munich is ready for people from Ukraine.
Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) also found clear words: “Under no circumstances will we accept a war, an unprovoked war of aggression in Europe, never.” With regard to aid from Bavaria, he added: “Now we are all Ukrainians and stand by this obligation.” He thanked the local people for showing their colors. In her speech, Ilse Aigner (CSU), President of the Landtag, recalled Germany’s past. “Never again do we want to be on the wrong side of history.” Freedom and democracy must be defended.
“We want the full isolation of Russia”
When the Ukrainian Consul General Yarmilko Yuriy took the stage, applause erupted in the Royal Square. A bloody war is raging in his country, including against the civilian population, Yuriy said. “We want Russia’s full isolation. The price of the war should be so great that they have to lay down their arms.” He spoke of genocide-like conditions in his country. “Help us fight. Believe in our bravery and strengthen us.”
Like Söder, his US colleague Timothy Liston drew parallels to the Kennedy speech in Berlin in 1963: “Kennedy said I’m from Berlin. Today I say we’re Ukrainians.” The people there not only defended their country and themselves, but also our values. A balloon in the shape of a dove of peace was released in the audience and flew over Königsplatz.
Katharina Schulze (Greens) also found emotional words. “There is one man who is responsible for the war and that is Putin. If he doesn’t back down, there must be more sanctions.” She is glad that the EU and Germany are supplying Ukraine with weapons for self-defense.
Other speakers from the FDP and Free Voters followed. In addition, the Left, ÖDP, the German Trade Union Confederation and some other associations and organizations called for the demonstration.
The parties deliberately set a common signal against Russian aggression on political Ash Wednesday, which is otherwise characterized by party disputes and mutual insults. After the invasion of Ukraine, all parties canceled the usual Ash Wednesday rallies at short notice.