Stefica N. Nicol Bikes, Kantaro Komiya

SYDNEY/TOKYO – Hundreds marched through heavy rains in Sydney Saturday, chanting “Ukraine Will Prevail” and calling for more action against Moscow. Meanwhile, protestors in Tokyo demanded that Russia be removed from the United Nations Security Council.

As Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed for Ukraine’s capital, and Russia withdrew a U.N. Security Council Resolution that would have condemned Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, the new protests began.

Thousands have demonstrated against the invasion of Europe, Europe’s most serious security problem in years, in cities across Europe, including Warsaw, London, and New York.

Sydney protesters wore the blue and yellow Ukrainian flags, waving their national banners, and were also draped with signs decrying the attempts of Russian President Vladimir Putin to take down the Ukrainian government.

Some speakers demanded the Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government increase sanctions against Moscow, and prohibit Russian citizens from travelling to Australia. Others called on NATO to intervene in the conflict.

Katarina stated that “I want economic sanctions to Russia increased and I want military support for Ukraine.” She gave no name but her first name. I want more action, concrete action and fewer words. “It’s far too late to diplomacy now.”

Mogdan was another protestor who called upon the Australian government not to follow other countries’ lead in their attempts to stop Putin.

The protester stated, “It is World War Three. It’s not just a war against Ukraine. It’s also a war against everyone.”

Another protest was held in Canberra against the Russian embassy. This time, people were holding signs that said “Putin Off Ukraine” and “Stop War”.

A crowd of several hundred people assembled in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, central Tokyo. Many were accompanied by their children and Ukrainian flags.

Australia and Japan joined the United States, Europe Union and other countries to impose a string of sanctions against Russian officials, businessmen, and citizens in response to the invasion.