'It all feels like a hallucination': Prague's Ukrainian community speaks out

Protests against Russia's invasion of Ukraine broke out in many cities across Europe and around the world Thursday. People in Prague gathered to show their support for Ukraine and condemn Moscow's actions.

Thousands gathered in Prague's central Wenceslas Square Thursday afternoon to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The protest was organized by the Czech and Ukrainian communities together with the Million Moments movement.

According to the police, the rally was attended by 3,000 people.

People waved yellow-blue Ukrainian flags, chanted pro-Ukraine slogans and sang anthems at the rallies on Thursday. 

The speakers condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and expressed support for the latter, as did representatives of the Belarusian community in Czechia.

The rally was also addressed by Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib, who said that the Prague City Hall has expressed support for Ukraine and approved a gift of CZK 10 million crowns for the People in Need NGO, designed for aid to Ukraine.

Among the demonstrators were not only Ukrainian expats, but also Czechs, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Georgians, Kazakhstanis, and many others.

“I woke up today at 4 a.m. when my mum called and said she was woken up by explosions,” says Natalia whose family remains in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. “I still can’t believe this is happening, it all feels like a hallucination”.

“My family has to stay in Ukraine for many reasons,” Natalia explains. “I am heartbroken listening to what they and my friends have to go through. Imagine your mum telling you she plans to sleep in a cinema (because it has no windows), with all the belongings ready and stored by her side.”

"My parents and grandparents live in Western Ukraine, so they have been safe so far. But some of my other relatives are right in the epicenter of rocket attacks, so they are planning to move," said Denis, a Ukrainian demonstrator.

"I have a Ukrainian colleague whose family is in Ukraine, I am afraid of what might happen to him," said Rebeca from the Czech Republic who came to show her support with three children. "Even if I didn't have this close connection to someone from Ukraine, I would still be here. This should not be happening, no one wants war."

"I am devastated," said Eugene, a protester from Kazakhstan. "I cannot stand aside seeing the aggression that is happening".

Another demonstrator from Kazakhstan, Sabi, expressed a similar sentiment. "I have no words. I know wonderful people from Ukraine. And people are dying for nothing, for this stupid person who thinks he can bring so much devastation".

Among the demonstrators, there were also many Russian expats. Among them is Ria who has been living in Prague for seventeen years. "I totally disagree with what Putin is doing. I don't agree with the government, what is happening now is shameful." 

With "Putin ≠ Russia", Vladimir says he wants to show that Russians do not support Putin. "We didn't choose this president, it is not our decision," he said. 

"I already heard that some professors at the Prague University of Economics refuse to consult and teach Russian students. Today one professor asked Russian students to leave the auditorium," Vladimir says.

Belarusian protesters carrying their historic white and red flag were also widely present at the rally. “We are together with the Ukrainian people – now and always,” said Vitaly. 

Belarusian diaspora has also signed and distributed an open letter saying that the involvement of Belarus in this war is unacceptable.

“The illegitimate leadership of the Belarusian state does not represent the will or direction of the Belarusian nation,” the letter states. It also notes that the territory of Belarus had been under “hybrid occupation” by Russian military units.

The Georgian community also came to express solidarity with Ukraine. "I feel like I did in 2008," says Alexandre. "Putin's aggression is not new for us." 

Many students came to protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "War is never an option, it is never justified," said Katarina and Virginia, students from Italy.

The anti-war protests took place worldwide. Berlin, Paris, Athens, Tbilisi, Barcelona, Milan, Antalya, and Nicosia are just some of the cities where people took to the streets to show discontent and express solidarity with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, at least 1,728 people were detained in Russia, Thursday, after anti-war protests took place in 53 cities across Russia.