Anti-war protests held in cities across Russia, 2,000 people arrested

Reuters
Published Feb 27, 2022  •  2 minute read
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People lay flowers at the site where late opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was fatally shot on a bridge near the Kremlin in central Moscow on Feb. 27, 2022, on the seventh anniversary of his assassination.
People lay flowers at the site where late opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was fatally shot on a bridge near the Kremlin in central Moscow on Feb. 27, 2022, on the seventh anniversary of his assassination. Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV /AFP via Getty Images

MOSCOW — Police detained more than 2,000 people at anti-war protests held in 48 cities across Russia on Sunday, a protest monitoring group said, as people defied the authorities to show their anger over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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More than 5,500 people have been detained at various anti-war protests since the invasion began on Thursday, according to the OVD-Info monitor, which has documented crackdowns on Russia’s opposition for years.

In Moscow, riot police often outnumbered protesters, some of whom carried hand-written placards with peace signs and anti-war slogans in Russian and Ukrainian. Some wore masks with the word “Enough” emblazoned in the front.

A reporter for the independent television channel Dozhd was arrested during the protests despite showing his accreditation to the police and wearing a press vest.

Outside the upmarket Gostiny Dvor department store in downtown Saint Petersburg, hundreds of anti-war protesters stood together, linking arms and chanting.

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  1. A Ukrainian woman looks out from a damaged building which was hit by a Russian mortar in Mykolaiv, 100 km away from Odesa, western Ukraine on March 8, 2022.
    A Ukrainian woman looks out from a damaged building which was hit by a Russian mortar in Mykolaiv, 100 km away from Odesa, western Ukraine on March 8, 2022.Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  2. A general view of a destroyed bridge in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 8, 2022.
    A general view of a destroyed bridge in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 8, 2022. Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY /AFP via Getty Images
  3. Pedestrians cross a street in front of a billboard displaying the symbol
    Pedestrians cross a street in front of a billboard displaying the symbol "Z" in the colours of the ribbon of Saint George and a slogan reading: "We don't give up on our people," in support of the Russian armed forces, in St. Petersburg, on March 7, 2022. Photo by - /AFP via Getty Images
  4. This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 7, 2022 shows a purported Russian tank unit advancement in the Kyiv region.
    This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 7, 2022 shows a purported Russian tank unit advancement in the Kyiv region.Photo by - /Russian Defence Ministry/AFP via
  5. A pedestrian walks amid debris in a street following a shelling in Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022.
    A pedestrian walks amid debris in a street following a shelling in Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022.Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  6. A member of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces walks past destroyed Russian military vehicles in a forest outside Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022.
    A member of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces walks past destroyed Russian military vehicles in a forest outside Ukraine's second-biggest city of Kharkiv on March 7, 2022. Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  7. This handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service on March 7, 2022, shows rescuers dismantling the rubble of a destroyed school after Russian troops shelled the city of Chernihiv.
    This handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service on March 7, 2022, shows rescuers dismantling the rubble of a destroyed school after Russian troops shelled the city of Chernihiv. Photo by STR /Ukrainian State Emergency Servic
  8. A resident uses a dustpan and broom (top) to clear the debris from a flat, as another looks out of the destroyed front of a room, in a multi-storey building that was badly damaged as a result of Russian missile explosion after it was shot down over the city by Ukrainian air defence on March 6, in Kramatorsk on March 7, 2022.
    A resident uses a dustpan and broom (top) to clear the debris from a flat, as another looks out of the destroyed front of a room, in a multi-storey building that was badly damaged as a result of Russian missile explosion after it was shot down over the city by Ukrainian air defence on March 6, in Kramatorsk on March 7, 2022.Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  9. Evacuees cross a destroyed bridge as they flee the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022.
    Evacuees cross a destroyed bridge as they flee the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  10. A man holds a child as he flees the city of Irpin, west of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022.
    A man holds a child as he flees the city of Irpin, west of Kyiv, on March 7, 2022. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS /AFP via Getty Images
  11. A Polish volunteer plays with a child in freezing cold temperatures, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022.
    A Polish volunteer plays with a child in freezing cold temperatures, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022. Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI /AFP via Getty Images
  12. Refugees stand in line in the cold as they wait to be transferred to a train station after crossing the Ukrainian border into Poland, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022.
    Refugees stand in line in the cold as they wait to be transferred to a train station after crossing the Ukrainian border into Poland, at the Medyka border crossing in Poland, on March 7, 2022. Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI /AFP via Getty Images
  13. A couple embrace as they stand in front of an evacuation train at the central train station in Odesa on March 6, 2022.
    A couple embrace as they stand in front of an evacuation train at the central train station in Odesa on March 6, 2022. Photo by BULENT KILIC /AFP via Getty Images
  14. A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24 km from Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24 km from Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Carlos Barria /REUTERS
  15. A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24km from Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
    A local resident reacts as a house is on fire after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals to leave the town of Irpin, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, 24km from Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
  16. Local residents wait inside a bus as they escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, in Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
    Local residents wait inside a bus as they escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, in Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine March 6, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
  17. A Slovak police officer holds a baby as people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine arrive at a border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    A Slovak police officer holds a baby as people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine arrive at a border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Lukasz Glowala /REUTERS
  18. People arrive by ferry after fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the Isaccea-Orlivka border crossing, Romania, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    People arrive by ferry after fleeing from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the Isaccea-Orlivka border crossing, Romania, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Stoyan Nenov /REUTERS
  19. A Polish armed forces member and a woman help another woman sit in a wheelchair as she arrives at a temporary accommodation centre, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Korczowa, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    A Polish armed forces member and a woman help another woman sit in a wheelchair as she arrives at a temporary accommodation centre, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Korczowa, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Yara Nardi /REUTERS
  20. People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine rest at the train station in Zahony, Hungary, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine rest at the train station in Zahony, Hungary, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Bernadett Szabo /REUTERS
  21. People take rest inside a temporary accommodation and transportation hub for refugees at a former shopping mall, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Przemysl, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    People take rest inside a temporary accommodation and transportation hub for refugees at a former shopping mall, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Przemysl, Poland, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Fabrizio Bensch /REUTERS
  22. Ex-military man Dennis Kohut, who is working as a firefighter, trains volunteers for territorial defence at the warrior house, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    Ex-military man Dennis Kohut, who is working as a firefighter, trains volunteers for territorial defence at the warrior house, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Kai Pfaffenbach /REUTERS
  23. Members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Fylymonov kiss at their wedding during Ukraine-Russia conflict, at a checkpoint in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    Members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Fylymonov kiss at their wedding during Ukraine-Russia conflict, at a checkpoint in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022.Photo by Mykola Tymchenko /REUTERS
  24. Ihor Mazhayev, 54, photographed by his destroyed house in Markhalivka, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. Ihor lost his wife, 12-year-old daughter and suffered a concussion as a result of a shelling.
    Ihor Mazhayev, 54, photographed by his destroyed house in Markhalivka, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. Ihor lost his wife, 12-year-old daughter and suffered a concussion as a result of a shelling.Photo by Anastasia Vlasova /Getty Images
  25. A member of a Territorial Defence unit guards a barricade next to writing saying
    A member of a Territorial Defence unit guards a barricade next to writing saying " Glory To Ukraine" close to the eastern frontline in Kyiv, Saturday, on March 5, 2022.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  26. Servicemen of the Ukrainian Military Forces prepare their equipment to repel a tank attack on a position in the Lugansk region, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    Servicemen of the Ukrainian Military Forces prepare their equipment to repel a tank attack on a position in the Lugansk region, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  27. A Polish police officer carries a child to a bus, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the border checkpoint in Medyka, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    A Polish police officer carries a child to a bus, after fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the border checkpoint in Medyka, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Yara Nardi /REUTERS
  28. People rest at a refugee reception centre at the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    People rest at a refugee reception centre at the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Olivier Douliery / Pool /REUTERS
  29. People coming from Ukraine cross the Ukrainian-Polish border in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    People coming from Ukraine cross the Ukrainian-Polish border in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Olivier Douliery/Pool /REUTERS
  30. A woman offers help to arriving refugees at the Western Railway Station from Zahony after crossing the border at Zahony-Csap as they flee Ukraine, in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    A woman offers help to arriving refugees at the Western Railway Station from Zahony after crossing the border at Zahony-Csap as they flee Ukraine, in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Janos Kummer /Getty Images
  31. A group of children evacuated from an orphanage in Zaporizhzhia wait to board a bus for their transfer to Poland after fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion at the main train station in Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022.
    A group of children evacuated from an orphanage in Zaporizhzhia wait to board a bus for their transfer to Poland after fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion at the main train station in Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022.Photo by Kai Pfaffenbach /REUTERS
  32. A man walks in front of a residential building damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022.
    A man walks in front of a residential building damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF /AFP via Getty Images
  33. A man learns how to use a Kalashnikov assault rifle during a civilians self-defence course in the outskirts of Lviv, western Ukraine, on March 4, 2022.
    A man learns how to use a Kalashnikov assault rifle during a civilians self-defence course in the outskirts of Lviv, western Ukraine, on March 4, 2022. Photo by DANIEL LEAL /AFP via Getty Images
  34. People remove personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022.
    People remove personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022.Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  35. Medical workers provide medical assistance to an Ukrainian serviceman wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, in a hospital in Kyiv on March 4, 2022.
    Medical workers provide medical assistance to an Ukrainian serviceman wounded during the fighting with Russian troops near the Ukrainian capital, in a hospital in Kyiv on March 4, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  36. Ukrainian service men take cover from shelling in the city of Bucha, west of Kyiev, on March 4, 2022.
    Ukrainian service men take cover from shelling in the city of Bucha, west of Kyiev, on March 4, 2022. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS /AFP via Getty Images
  37. A man gestures in front of an evacuation train at Kyiv central train station on March 4, 2022.
    A man gestures in front of an evacuation train at Kyiv central train station on March 4, 2022. Photo by SERGEI CHUZAVKOV /AFP via Getty Images
  38. This handout picture released by the press service of the Joint Forces Operation on March 4, 2022, shows what is said the wreckage of a Russian Sukhoi Su-25 assault aircraft outside the city of Volnovakha.
    This handout picture released by the press service of the Joint Forces Operation on March 4, 2022, shows what is said the wreckage of a Russian Sukhoi Su-25 assault aircraft outside the city of Volnovakha.Photo by HANDOUT /Joint Forces Operation press ser
  39. Yevghen Zbormyrsky, 49, is comfirted as he stands in front of his burning home after it was hit by a shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022.
    Yevghen Zbormyrsky, 49, is comfirted as he stands in front of his burning home after it was hit by a shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv, on March 4, 2022. Photo by ARIS MESSINIS /AFP via Getty Images
  40. A view shows a damaged administrative building of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Enerhodar, the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine in this handout picture released March 4, 2022.
    A view shows a damaged administrative building of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Enerhodar, the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine in this handout picture released March 4, 2022. Photo by Press service of National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom /Handout via REUTERS
  41. A man rides his bicycle in front of residential buildings damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022.
    A man rides his bicycle in front of residential buildings damaged in yesterday's shelling in the city of Chernihiv on March 4, 2022. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF /AFP via Getty Images
  42. An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022.
    An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  43. An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022.
    An aerial view shows a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  44. People walk past a destroyed Russian military vehicle at a frontline position on March 3, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Russia continues assault on Ukraine's major cities, including the capital Kyiv, a week after launching a large-scale invasion of the country.
    People walk past a destroyed Russian military vehicle at a frontline position on March 3, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Russia continues assault on Ukraine's major cities, including the capital Kyiv, a week after launching a large-scale invasion of the country.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  45. A member of the Territorial Defence Forces stands guard at a checkpoint, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022.
    A member of the Territorial Defence Forces stands guard at a checkpoint, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022.Photo by MYKOLA TYMCHENKO /REUTERS
  46. Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 3, 2022.
    Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 3, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  47. Volunteers dig trenches, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022.
    Volunteers dig trenches, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, March 3, 2022. Photo by MYKOLA TYMCHENKO /REUTERS
  48. People stand next to a shell crater in front of a house damaged by recent shelling in the village of Hatne, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.
    People stand next to a shell crater in front of a house damaged by recent shelling in the village of Hatne, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.Photo by SERHII NUZHNENKO /REUTERS
  49. A destroyed armoured vehicle is seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.
    A destroyed armoured vehicle is seen on a street in the settlement of Borodyanka, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Kyiv region, March 3, 2022.Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  50. A picture shows damages in a building entrance after the shelling by Russian forces of Constitution Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-biggest city, on March 2, 2022.
    A picture shows damages in a building entrance after the shelling by Russian forces of Constitution Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-biggest city, on March 2, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  51. A man looks over rubble and a damaged vehicle across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    A man looks over rubble and a damaged vehicle across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  52. A man walks past sandbags protecting the entrance of a cafe in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the industrial hub, which sits on the western side of the Dnieper river and divides east and central Ukraine, on March 2, 2022.
    A man walks past sandbags protecting the entrance of a cafe in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the industrial hub, which sits on the western side of the Dnieper river and divides east and central Ukraine, on March 2, 2022.Photo by EMRE CAYLAK /AFP via Getty Images
  53. A view shows a residential building destroyed by recent shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the city of Irpin in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 2, 2022.
    A view shows a residential building destroyed by recent shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the city of Irpin in the Kyiv region, Ukraine March 2, 2022. Photo by SERHII NUZHNENKO /REUTERS
  54. Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022.
    Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022. Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  55. Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022.
    Firefighters work to contain a fire in the complex of buildings housing the Kharkiv regional SBU security service and the regional police, allegedly hit during recent shelling by Russia, in Kharkiv on March 2, 2022.Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  56. Fire continues to burn in a sports complex across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    Fire continues to burn in a sports complex across the street from the Kyiv TV Tower on March 2, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  57. Rescuers remove debris in the regional administration building, which city officials said was hit by a missile attack, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 1, 2022.
    Rescuers remove debris in the regional administration building, which city officials said was hit by a missile attack, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 1, 2022. Photo by VYACHESLAV MADIYEVSKYY /REUTERS
  58. The view of military facility which was destroyed by recent shelling in the city of Brovary outside Kyiv on March 1, 2022.
    The view of military facility which was destroyed by recent shelling in the city of Brovary outside Kyiv on March 1, 2022. Photo by GENYA SAVILOV /AFP via Getty Images
  59. Smoke billows from the TV tower, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    Smoke billows from the TV tower, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by CARLOS BARRIA /REUTERS
  60. A view of the square outside the damaged local city hall of Kharkiv on March 1, 2022, destroyed as a result of Russian troop shelling.
    A view of the square outside the damaged local city hall of Kharkiv on March 1, 2022, destroyed as a result of Russian troop shelling.Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images
  61. Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia are seen atop of a tank with the letter
    Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia are seen atop of a tank with the letter "Z" painted on its sides in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO /REUTERS
  62. Civilians cross a river on a blown up bridge on Kyivs northern front on March 1, 2022.
    Civilians cross a river on a blown up bridge on Kyivs northern front on March 1, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  63. A member of the military walks near a building after a blast, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    A member of the military walks near a building after a blast, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by CARLOS BARRIA /REUTERS
  64. A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend the city, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend the city, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by VIACHESLAV RATYNSKYI /REUTERS
  65. Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia stand next to an armoured vehicle in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    Service members of pro-Russian troops in uniforms without insignia stand next to an armoured vehicle in the separatist-controlled settlement of Buhas (Bugas), as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine March 1, 2022.Photo by ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO /REUTERS
  66. A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard outside the central railway station on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard outside the central railway station on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo by Anastasia Vlasova /Getty Images
  67. People are seen in an evacuation train from Kyiv to Lviv, at Kyiv central train station following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022.
    People are seen in an evacuation train from Kyiv to Lviv, at Kyiv central train station following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 1, 2022. Photo by UMIT BEKTAS /REUTERS
  68. Women and children rest inside the sports hall of a primary school which has been converted to a refugee centre on March 1, 2022 in Przemysl, Poland.
    Women and children rest inside the sports hall of a primary school which has been converted to a refugee centre on March 1, 2022 in Przemysl, Poland. Photo by Omar Marques /Getty Images
  69. An Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighter examines a destroyed Russian infantry mobility vehicle GAZ Tigr after the fight in Kharkiv on Feb. 27, 2022.
    An Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighter examines a destroyed Russian infantry mobility vehicle GAZ Tigr after the fight in Kharkiv on Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by AFP Contributor#AFP /AFP via Getty Images
  70. A local resident paints anti-tank obstacles built to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022. The inscription reads:
    A local resident paints anti-tank obstacles built to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022. The inscription reads: "Uzhhorod." Photo by SERHII HUDAK /REUTERS
  71. Refugees from many diffrent countries — mostly students of Ukrainian universities — are seen at the Medyka pedestrian border crossing fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, in eastern Poland on Feb. 27, 2022.
    Refugees from many diffrent countries — mostly students of Ukrainian universities — are seen at the Medyka pedestrian border crossing fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, in eastern Poland on Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by WOJTEK RADWANSKI /AFP via Getty Images
  72. Local residents prepare Molotov cocktails to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022.
    Local residents prepare Molotov cocktails to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine Feb. 27, 2022.Photo by SERHII HUDAK /REUTERS
  73. Servicemen of Ukrainian Military Forces walk in the small town of Severodonetsk, Donetsk Region on Feb. 27, 2022.
    Servicemen of Ukrainian Military Forces walk in the small town of Severodonetsk, Donetsk Region on Feb. 27, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  74. Tens of thousands of people gather in Tiergarten park to protest against the ongoing war in Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022 in Berlin, Germany.
    Tens of thousands of people gather in Tiergarten park to protest against the ongoing war in Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Sean Gallup /Getty Images
  75. A view of a high-rise apartment block which was hit by recent shelling in Kyiv on Feb. 26, 2022.
    A view of a high-rise apartment block which was hit by recent shelling in Kyiv on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by GENYA SAVILOV /AFP via Getty Images
  76. Ukrainian tanks move on a road before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian tanks move on a road before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  77. Civilian volunteers check their guns at a Territorial Defence unit registration office on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.
    Civilian volunteers check their guns at a Territorial Defence unit registration office on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  78. Ukrainian servicemen prepare a Swedish-British portable anti-tank guided missile NLAW before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian servicemen prepare a Swedish-British portable anti-tank guided missile NLAW before an attack in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  79. A civilian member of a Territorial Defence unit rests in a bomb shelter on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.
    A civilian member of a Territorial Defence unit rests in a bomb shelter on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.Photo by Chris McGrath /Getty Images
  80. Ukrainian servicemen take positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian servicemen take positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022.Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  81. People walk with their belongings after border crossing at Barabas - Koson as they flee Ukraine on Feb. 26, 2022 in Barabas, Hungary.
    People walk with their belongings after border crossing at Barabas - Koson as they flee Ukraine on Feb. 26, 2022 in Barabas, Hungary. Photo by Janos Kummer /Getty Images
  82. Ukrainian servicemen are seen at fighting positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022.
    Ukrainian servicemen are seen at fighting positions at the military airbase Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by MAKSIM LEVIN /REUTERS
  83. Women pass by the apartment block in 6A Lobanovsky Avenue which was hit with a missile on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv.
    Women pass by the apartment block in 6A Lobanovsky Avenue which was hit with a missile on Feb. 26, 2022 in Kyiv. Photo by Anastasia Vlasova /Getty Images
  84. Ukrainian service members look for and collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.
    Ukrainian service members look for and collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY /AFP via Getty Images
  85. Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022.
    Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV /AFP via Getty Images
  86. Ukrainian service members collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.
    Ukrainian service members collect unexploded shells after a fighting with Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the morning of Feb. 26, 2022, according to Ukrainian service personnel at the scene.Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY /AFP via Getty Images
  87. A fragment of a destroyed Russian tank is seen on the roadside on the outskirts of Kharkiv on Feb. 26, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    A fragment of a destroyed Russian tank is seen on the roadside on the outskirts of Kharkiv on Feb. 26, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo by SERGEY BOBOK /AFP via Getty Images

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Sunday’s protests coincided with the seventh anniversary of the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov.

In Moscow some of the arrests took place at an improvised memorial just outside the Kremlin at the site where Nemtsov was shot, a Reuters witness said. “No to war!” shouted one of the demonstrators as he was being dragged away by the police.

Nemtsov was a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscow’s support for pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, which ultimately led to what Putin labels a “special operation” to protect the two separatist regions although his troops are fighting in wider Ukraine.

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Ukraine’s Western allies have slapped unprecedented sanctions in response to Russia’s land, sea and air invasion.

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Putin ordered his military command to put nuclear-armed forces on high alert on Sunday as Ukrainian fighters defending the city of Kharkiv said they had repelled an attack by invading Russian troops.

Tens of thousands of people across Europe marched in protest against Russia’s invasion on Sunday, with 100,000 people protesting in solidarity with Ukraine in Berlin.

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  4. This photograph taken on Feb. 27, 2022 shows a Russian Armoured personnel carrier (APC) burning during fight with the Ukrainian armed forces in Kharkiv.
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  5. Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace at Saint Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Feb. 27, 2022.
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  6. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.
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