In Kiev, a handful of brave people demanded an end to the war in Donbass

September 1: Absorbed by yesterday’s bloody events near the Verkhovna Rada, another rally in central Kiev went virtually unnoticed by the media. But in today’s Kiev, this event was much more extraordinary than the massacres and killings that have become commonplace in the country and its capital. 

Outside the mayor’s office on Khreshchatyk Street, an anti-war rally was held by supporters of the Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine, led by Natalia Vitrenko, the Workers’ Party of Ukraine and the public organization “Women for Peace.”

The participants demanded that the government stop the war in Donbass, adhere to the Minsk accords and stop the propaganda war.

“For 25 years, Ukrainian authorities have conducted a cold war against their own people, and, above all, against our children. And for two years already there is a hot war, and total propaganda. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the people in Kiev today are not aware of what is happening in the Donbass, where children are being cynically killed. The government must stop this insane war,” said a protestor.

The action took place on the eve of the beginning of the school year.

It’s noteworthy that the event passed without incident, despite the fact that such actions are in danger of being attacked in today’s Ukrainian capital. Most likely, the extremist groups were too busy with yesterday’s events at the Verkhovna Rada. In any case, the people who came out in the center of Bandera Ukraine with slogans and red flags are a true example of genuine courage. 

We hope they will not go unheard. No, not by the regime, of course. War is its lifeblood, source of power and reason to exist. But perhaps these brave people will inspire others to action, and the numbers will become more impressive. Only a massive and strong movement can force the scum to stop the destruction of the country and its people. 

Translated by Greg Butterfield