"Putin, Stop the Killing" Russian Invasion Condemned, Domestic Civic Groups Unite

Over 400 Organizations Including People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and Minbyun
Urge Government for Diplomatic Measures
Russians Also Join in Saying "Peace"
Seoul "Light of Peace" Campaign

Ukrainians residing in Korea are passing in front of the Russian Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 27th, holding a large Ukrainian flag and condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Igor (15), who participated in the protest against the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia at the age of 7, expressed regret, saying, "For 8 years, the world has not listened to Ukraine's 'cry for help'." He attended the protest held on the 27th in front of the Russian Embassy in Jung-gu. Although he was born in Korea, his heart is in his homeland, and he shed tears saying, "I am grateful that the (Ukrainian) soldiers did not give up and defended until the end." Karina (29), a Russian from Gangneung, Gangwon Province, said, "Russians also oppose the war and believe this war must stop." Yulia (26), who came to the site with her Korean husband, is from Latvia, which was once under Soviet rule. She said, "I participated in the rally out of fear that Russia might soon invade my homeland," adding, "My family in my homeland feels threatened, so I contact them every day."

About 300 people who attended the rally wrapped themselves in Ukrainian flags or wore ribbons and shouted slogans such as "Stop killing our people" and "Putin, stop the war." There was also a composite photo of Adolf Hitler, a 'war criminal' of World War II, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russians living in Korea are also raising their voices. Maxim (27), a Russian student, openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, "Ukrainian friends are being sacrificed." Feeling ashamed as a Russian, he held a handwritten placard that read "No War (Net voyny)." Yelena (27), a Russian who watched the rally from a distance, burst into tears, saying, "I cannot reach my Ukrainian friends." Regarding President Putin, she said, "There is nothing left to say," and added, "Seeing the Ukrainian president not fleeing made me wish we had such a president too."

On the morning of the 28th, about 400 civic groups, including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), held a press conference in front of the Russian Embassy in Korea, urging, "Russia must immediately stop the invasion of Ukraine and resolve the issue peacefully." They stated, "War is an inhumane crime that causes disastrous consequences," and "Russia's invasion disregards the international community's efforts over years to resolve the Ukraine issue through peaceful agreements." They emphasized that the Korean government must take all diplomatic measures for peaceful resolution in accordance with the constitutional clause that 'efforts shall be made to maintain international peace and to deny aggressive war.' Hwang Sooyoung, team leader of the Peace and Disarmament Center at People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, said, "We will continue to say that citizens around the world who want peace are united until this war ends." On social media and internet communities, posts encouraging donations to Ukraine and sharing proof of donations are increasing.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to expand the ‘Light of Peace’ campaign throughout March in cooperation with major city facilities as well as privately operated facilities. On the evening of the 27th, Seoul Tower on Namsan, Sebitseom in Banpo-dong, and Seoul City Hall were illuminated with the ‘Light of Peace.’ Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries around the world have been conducting the ‘Light of Peace’ campaign by projecting blue and yellow lights symbolizing the Ukrainian flag onto famous buildings.

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