6,440 people arrested in anti-war protests in Russia

(Patria) - At least 413 people were arrested in Russia during protests against the war in Ukraine on Monday, the civil rights website OVD-Info reported, bringing the total number of arrests since the demonstrations began on Thursday to 6,440.

Approximately half of those arrested, 3,126, occurred during protests in Moscow, while 2,084 arrests were recorded in St. Petersburg, OVD-Info said on Monday evening.

The invasion of Ukraine is driving many in Russia to protest, and Russian security forces have responded brutally to the demonstrations. Russian authorities are calling on people not to participate in unauthorized gatherings. They have also repeatedly banned gatherings, citing the pandemic.

In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell praised protesters in Belarus who, while protesting against the war in Ukraine, called for a more democratic approach under long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko.

“For the Belarusian people, many of you have taken enormous personal risks fighting for a free and democratic Belarus,” Borrell said in a video posted on Twitter and subtitled in three languages – Belarusian, Russian and English.

“Now you are raising your voices against Russia’s war against Ukraine and (President) Lukashenko’s decision to support it. Thank you for your courage. The EU stands with you. #StandWithUkraine,” Borrell wrote.