Protest against “terrorist state” Russia outside embassy in Warsaw

Hundreds of people protested in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw yesterday evening following Russia’s missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Protesters carried flags of Ukraine, Poland, the European Union and Belarus, as well as placards declaring that “Russia is a terrorist state”.

The crowd started gathering in front of the embassy before 6 p.m, with participants chanting “Putin out!”, “Terrorist!” and “Down with fascism!”, as well as “Slava Ukraini!” (“Glory to Ukraine”), reported broadcaster Polsat.

“Eighty-three missiles fired by Russia this morning! Forty missiles have fallen on the heads of the residents of cities,” wrote the organisers, who included Euromaidan-Warszawa and All-Poland Women’s Strike (Ogólnopolski Strajk Kobiet).

“The Russian regime is shelling civilians in Ukraine. Since this morning, rockets have been falling literally everywhere. They want total war – let’s demand total support for Ukraine from the international community.”

The organisers issued a set of demands, which included the removal of Russian diplomats from Poland, the transfer of as many fighter planes and tanks as possible to Ukraine, and the support of Ukraine with every possible air defence system.

Yesterday saw Russia launch a large-scale missile attack on a number of Ukrainian cities, hitting many civilian targets. At least 11 people were killed and scores injured, reports Reuters.

Poland’s government, which has been among the leading international supporters of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, quickly condemned the attacks, with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki saying that they confirm that Russia “is a terrorist state”.

“With the successes of the Ukrainian army, Putin’s desperation is growing,” said Morawiecki. “If anyone in European capitals still has any doubts about the true face of the Russian president – that of a murderer and criminal – it is increasingly coming to light.”

A number of protests have taken place outside Russia’s embassy in Warsaw this year, including on the anniversary of the shooting down in 2014 of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was hit by a Russian missile, as well as protests held by Russians living in Poland on Russia Day, a Russian national holiday.

During one protest, the Russian ambassador, Sergey Andreyev, was doused with red paint. In March, Poland expelled 45 Russian diplomats whom it accused of espionage.

A global survey published by the Pew Research Center in June showed that Poles hold the most negative views of Russia among all countries included in the study.

Poland has also been the primary destination for those fleeing the conflict, with around two thirds of refugees from Ukraine crossing its border. While many subsequently moved on to other countries and some have returned to Ukraine, it is estimated that over one million remain in Poland.

Main image credit: Jacek Marczewski / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

Alicja Ptak

Alicja Ptak is senior editor at Notes from Poland and a multimedia journalist. She previously worked for Reuters.