2,500 people take to the streets in Brussels for peace and solidarity: “Sending extra weapons to Ukraine narrows diplomatic margin” | Brussels

The end of the war in Ukraine was the central call of the demonstrators. “The war must end and the Russian troops must withdraw,” said Ludo De Brabander of Vrede vzw. “Secondly, after a ceasefire, a de-escalating approach must be taken. We want to warn against all actions that add fuel to the fire, because you are dealing with two nuclear powers that could face each other.”

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“We hope that peace can be achieved without weapons,” said participant Leonce (73). “I think NATO is showing why it is useful and that sanctions are a way to support Ukraine. But I am against the use of extra weapons. Maybe we should take some more sanctions that also affect us.”

Also for Jasper (28) extra weapons and militarization are not a solution for the war in Ukraine. “Negotiations have to take place, through dialogue something can be achieved. Fueling the conflict is what we should avoid, given the nuclear weapons context. Moreover, historically sanctions have had little effect. They should be used even more effectively against the Russian oligarchs.”

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Vrede vzw also warns against additional sanctions. “There are already several sanctions that also affect the average citizen in Russia. You also don’t want dissatisfaction growing there – there are already supply problems of commodities and medication. The message is that we hope NATO understands that sending additional weapons is narrowing the diplomatic margin. Putin is an autocrat and is waging a war of aggression, but in the end you have to come to the negotiating table.”

Ukrainians were also spotted at the demonstration who did ask for extra weapons.

The demonstrators gathered at the North Station around 1 pm. According to the police, there were 2,500 of them, the organization of the demonstration speaks of 4,000 participants.