Pro-Russian Demonstration In Cologne

400-800 people attended the demonstration.

Several hundred pro-Russian demonstrators came out against the supply of German weapons to Ukraine in Cologne on Sunday, September 4. The protesters also demanded the lifting of sanctions against Russia and the launching of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, according to DW.

According to various sources, the demonstration gathered 400 to 800 people. The declared number of participants prior to the event was 1000-2000. The WDR television company notes that the protesters supported the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, justifying them by the need for self-defence. Well-known right-wing extremists from North Rhine-Westphalia and East Germany took part in the demonstration together with representatives of the Russian-speaking diaspora in Germany.

The organizers of the demonstration were collecting donations for the Russian-backed separatist forces in Donbas, according to Reuters.

Protests against the pro-Russian demonstration

There were protests against the pro-Russian march in the centre of Cologne by those who oppose the easing of policy toward Russia. According to media reports, these protests also brought together several hundred participants.

A large police force was on duty in the area of the actions. Bottles and firecrackers flew toward the participants of the pro-Russian demonstration. At the same time, according to the police, the actions passed without serious incidents.