Anti-war sentiment spreads in Russia over Ukraine invasion... Repeated protests despite large-scale arrests

On the 24th (local time), at Lafayette Square in Washington DC, USA, a protester held a paper placard condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin during a demonstration denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Washington DC AFP=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As the Russian military intensifies its offensive on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, the number of people calling for peace within Russia is increasing.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 26th (local time), anti-war protests have taken place in Russia for three consecutive days since the invasion of Ukraine began on the 24th. More than 2,500 protesters were arrested over the previous two days, but demonstrations continued on this day in major cities including the capital Moscow and the second-largest city Saint Petersburg. Over the past three days, a total of 3,093 people have been arrested across Russia for anti-war protests.

Open letters condemning the invasion of Ukraine have also poured in from various sectors in Russia. On this day, more than 6,000 healthcare workers signed the letter, along with 3,400 architects and engineers, and 500 teachers. Journalists, local council members, cultural figures, and other professional groups have issued similar letters since the 24th. Additionally, an online petition calling for a halt to the attacks on Ukraine gathered 780,000 signatures from the morning of the 24th until the evening of this day.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian ruble has sharply depreciated, and demand for cash has surged, indicating instability in the Russian economy. The ruble, which was around 74 rubles per dollar just weeks ago, has been trading around 84 rubles per dollar since the invasion, and cash demand has increased 58-fold. Experts warn of soaring prices, capital flight, and economic slowdown.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.