Move FM Global News

BERLIN, Germany: Thousands of people protested last week in Berlin against Germany’s decision to supply weapons to Ukraine and called for peace talks to end the war.

However, the organizers were criticized for downplaying Ukraine’s right to defend itself from Russia’s invasion and failing to distance themselves from political extremists with pro-Russian views.

During the rally, an organizer, opposition lawmaker Sahra Wagenknecht from the ex-communist Left party, said, “There was no place for neo-Nazis, but anyone who wanted peace with an honest heart was welcome.”

She also accused the German government of wanting to “ruin Russia,” and Moscow should be made an offer in order to resume peace talks.

Some 13,000 people took part in the rally at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, though organizers claimed that 50,000 people participated, police said.

Protester Konstantin Schneider, an academic from Berlin, said he understood why Eastern Europe countries were wary of Russia.

“Of course, Putin is an idiot to attack Ukraine. But we still need to find new solutions to the war, instead of sweepingly saying there is nothing to negotiate,” he said.

In a recent television interview with public broadcaster ZDF, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he does not see current prospects for peace talks.

“We need to understand that the Russian president currently accepts only one form of negotiation, which is that Ukraine capitulates unconditionally and he achieves all of his aims,” Scholz said.