Russia-Ukraine crisis: Anti-war protests intensify across the world

Tens of thousands of people joined mega rallies against the Russian invasion of Ukraine across the world. Protesters expressed solidarity in support of Ukraine and condemned the Russian action in unison. According to reports, more than 40 thousand people demonstrated in 119 protests in towns and cities across France. In Paris itself, around 16,000 gathered at Place de la Bastille. Activists draped in blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag chanted slogans against Russia's President Vladimir Putin. They were also seen displaying placards and banners that read, "Stop Putin War", "Stand By Ukraine", "Support Ukraine" and "Close The Sky - No War". A woman, who declined to give her full name because of concerns about the safety of her son in Ukraine, said, “We are proud of their courage, their determination.” Aline Le Bail-Kremer, an activist, said, “We will be here every weekend, in Paris or elsewhere, until Putin leaves, withdraws his tanks.” Switzerland’s Zurich city also witnessed a massive rally against the Russian invasion. Around 40,000 people took part in the protest.