Protesters in Amsterdam rally against military aid to Ukraine
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The demonstrators held a peaceful rally at Dam Square, displaying posters with messages like "No weapons for peace!" and "For peace with Russia!"
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Demonstrators march in the streets of Amsterdam to protest armament to Ukraine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, August 25, 2024. (@ivan_8848)
Dozens of demonstrators gathered in the streets of Amsterdam on Sunday to protest against military aid to Ukraine and call for peace, according to a RIA Novosti correspondent.
The demonstrators held a peaceful rally at Dam Square, displaying posters with messages like "No weapons for peace!" and "For peace with Russia!"
They also waved Russian flags and blue flags featuring a dove, symbolizing peace.
Dutch activist and writer Bert van Vondel told RIA Novosti that by supplying Ukraine with weapons, the Netherlands and other Western countries are indirectly involved in the conflict with Russia.
"If you do not want war, do not supply weapons. Start negotiations. This is the best way to stop the war. And also do not send weapons," van Vondel said in an interview.
🇳🇱 A demonstration in support of peace and against arms supplies to Ukraine took place in Amsterdam. Several dozen people gathered in the central square to express their disagreement with Western policies and to support Russia. pic.twitter.com/ge6QqvBkdD
— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) August 25, 2024
This coincides with a separate rally in Amsterdam that supported Ukraine.
Organized by groups such as the Ukrainians in the Netherlands Foundation, Amnesty International, and Pax, the event featured speeches from Dutch politicians and activists.
According to NL Times, participants called for an end to the war, advocating for peace and expressing solidarity with Ukraine by waving flags and holding signs with messages like "Ukraine will Triumph" and "Russia is a Terrorist State."
On August 24, 2024, the Ukrainian diaspora in the Netherlands gathered in the heart of Amsterdam to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. pic.twitter.com/dM4OC4h28g
— Bösartiger Fella ⚜️🔱 (@20gimsack) August 25, 2024
Western countries have increased their military and financial support for Ukraine since Russia launched its military operation in 2022. The Kremlin has cautioned that ongoing arms shipments to Kiev would further escalate the conflict.
The Netherlands and Denmark were among the first to agree to supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The White House has confirmed that Ukraine will receive these US-made jets from third-party countries once Ukrainian pilots have completed their training.
Read more: Russia restricts Dutch-based 'Moscow Times,' deeming it 'undesirable'
