More than 180 municipal deputies from cities across Russia, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Samara and Volgograd, among others, have signed an open letter strongly condemning President Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
“We are convinced that the citizens of Russia did not give him such a mandate,” the regional officials’ letter says, before warning that the incursion will have “catastrophic consequences”.
“This is an unparalleled atrocity for which there is and cannot be justification,” the letter added. It also calls on Russians not to “be silent” over the attack, saying “only massive popular condemnation can stop the war”.
In two other open letters, more than 240 journalists and 260 scientists also expressed their opposition to the Kremlin’s move.
This is even as Russian police have detained hundreds of anti-war protesters who disagreed with Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
More than 650 people at anti-war protests held in cities throughout the country, expressing displeasure over the development.
The group said demonstrations had been staged in 40 different locations, including in the capital, Moscow.
In another development, Russian Twitter users are rallying behind ‘notowar’ hashtag.
Russian-speaking social media users have been voicing their opposition to the invasion of Ukraine, using the hashtag #нетвойне, or #notowar.
It had become the top trending hashtag on Russian Twitter. This was shortly after Moscow launched its first attack on Thursday.
While pro-government media outlets are echoing Putin’s line, criticism of Moscow’s actions is growing, with prominent public figures voicing their discontent and calling for ceasefire across Russia.
