Anti-war protests across Europe, small rallies in Russia

By FRANK JORDANS
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — Tens of thousands of people have rallied in cities across Europe to protest against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Small vigils also took place in Russia on Sunday despite a crackdown by authorities against such demonstrations. German trade unions called a large protest in Berlin where sunny weather boosted turnout. Many participants carried flags in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine. Others bore banners reading “Stop the War” and “Peace and Solidarity for the people in Ukraine.” A rights group said that more than 668 people had been detained in 36 cities in Russia where demonstrations against the war in Ukraine have typically been met with a heavy police response. A far-right group staged a small pro-Russia protest in the Serbian capital Belgrade.