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A crowd gathered at the Cenotaph in the Diamond on Saturday in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and in protest against Russia’s invasion of their country.

The protest was organised by Derry Anti-War Coalition and the speakers used the occasion to call to an end to all war, not just the war in Ukraine.

Those gathered unfurled Ukraine flags and signs supporting people in Ukraine and also Russian people who have taken a stand against Putin’s invasion.

Other signs also condemned expansionist move and proposals for NATO.

Derry Anti War Coalition spokesperson Davy McAuley speaking at the ‘No to War - Oppose Putin’s Invasion - Stop NATO expansion’ rally at the Diamond on Saturday afternoon last. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2208GS – 109

Speaking at the event, Davy McAuley from the Derry Anti-War Coalition, explained why he opposed NATO as much as he condemns Russia.

He said: “NATO’s last published budget was a trillion dollars. A trillion dollars on military hardware. Has that trillion dollars brought on world peace? Is there any more security in the world because of it? That trillion dollars could end world hunger. It could end poverty. If we’re serious about being an anti-war coalition, we have to oppose all wars.”

Independent Councillor Gary Donnelly said: “Some governments cannot find enough money to ensure the basic rights of its own citizens are fulfilled, including housing, heating, food and health care, but they have the money to fund a war.”

He added: “The reality is, the people of the world want to live their lives free of war and in peace. As a result of NATO aggression and Russian nationalism, the world is on the brink again.”

Colr. Gary Donnelly speaking at the Derry Anti-War Coalition’s ‘No to War - Oppose Putin’s Invasion - Stop NATO expansion’ rally at the Diamond on Saturday afternoon last. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2208GS – 110

People Before Profit Councillor Sean Harkin said: “We want a world without war. We want a world that’s based on peace. We are here in Derry, in Ireland, and we have to put a spotlight on what our governments are doing.

“Our governments are fuelling this crisis by arguing that NATO has to ramp up its activities in Eastern Europe. It has become a battleground between Russia, NATO and other powers. They are going to tell us that they need to ramp up their spending on wars when people cannot endure this cost of living crisis anymore.”

The protesters then bowed their heads for a moment of silence as they pondered the war and the people suffering through it.

The protest as organised to show support and to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, to oppose Putin’s invasion and to call for an end to NATO expansion.

‘People of the world want to live their lives free of war and in peace’