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  • Crisis in Ukraine War breaks out between Russia and Ukraine: bombings leave dozens dead, the Russian army takes control of Chernobyl and advances towards Kiev

Russian police arrested

around 800 people in various cities on Thursday for taking part in anti-war demonstrations in

Ukraine

, according to the human rights NGO OVD-info.

This organization claims that at least 1,400 people were arrested in 42 cities, about half in Moscow,

where AFP witnessed dozens of arrests

.

Russia has strict legislation to control demonstrations that usually end with massive arrests.

The Russian authorities threatened this Thursday

to repress any "unauthorized" demonstration

related to "the tense situation in terms of foreign policy."

Numerous activists called on the population on social media to defy that order and take to the streets, after Russian President Vladimir Putin

launch its offensive against Ukraine

in the early hours of Thursday.

About 2,000 people gathered in Moscow's central Pushkin Square and about 1,000 in the former imperial capital of St. Petersburg, according to AFP journalists.

Demonstrators in Pushkin Square shouted: "No to war!"

"I am shocked. My relatives and loved ones live in Ukraine," said Anastasia Nestulya in Moscow.

"What can I tell them on the phone? Are they going to stay there?" added this 23-year-old Russian woman, who, like many, says she is afraid to demonstrate.

Saint Petersburg

Some reactions that could also be heard in St. Petersburg.

"

I have the feeling that the authorities have gone crazy

," explained Svetlana Volkova, 27, who believes that few people are willing to demonstrate in Russia.

"

They have been misled by propaganda

."

A young man shouted as he was arrested: "Who are you fighting? Stop Putin."

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is taking place at the same time as an unprecedented crackdown on the opposition in the country,

with many of its leaders killed, detained or forced into exile

.

Oppositionist Alexei Navalni, imprisoned since January 2021, said in court, during a new trial that began last week, that he rejects the invasion.

"

This war between Russia and Ukraine is being waged to cover up the robbery of Russian citizens

and to divert attention from the problems that exist within the country, from the deterioration of the economy," he said, according to a video published by the opposition channel Dojd.

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