Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Eggs thrown at Russian embassy as hundreds protest against Ukraine invasion in London

Chants of ‘Putin stop war’ and ‘Putin go home’ ring out at UK demonstration

Zoe Tidman
Saturday 26 February 2022 13:27 EST
Comments
London protesters show anger outside Russian embassy over Ukraine invasion

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Protesters have thrown eggs at the Russian embassy in London as hundreds gathered outside the building and near Downing Street to make a stand against the invasion of Ukraine.

Demonstrators covered a wall with Ukrainian flags and messages of support for the country under siege on Saturday, as part of a series of events in countries around the world.

It came as the Russian invasion entered its third day, with forces continuing to strike Ukrainian cities with artillery and cruise missiles and troops closing in on the capital in Europe’s largest land war since the Second World War.

Ukrainian authorities said the death toll had risen to nearly 200 on their side of the conflict, including three children.

Follow the latest on the Ukraine-Russia war here

In London, protesters called for Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, to withdraw his forces from Ukraine. Demonstrators sang the Ukrainian national anthem and chanted “Putin stop war” and “Putin go home”.

Outside the Russian embassy, eggs and fake blood – as well as messages of solidarity written in chalk – covered a wall, and the building itself appeared to have egg stains and cracked shells on it.

A protester writes on a pavement in front of signs on the wall of the Russian embassy in London during a protest against the war against Ukraine
A protester writes on a pavement in front of signs on the wall of the Russian embassy in London during a protest against the war against Ukraine (REUTERS)

Protesters held signs saying “Stand with Ukraine” and “Stop the war”. One held a placard reading: “I am Russian and I am so sorry. No to war!”

Fighting has taken place across Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea in the early hours of Thursday. As well as 198 Ukrainian deaths, authorities say hundreds have been injured and more than 100,000 have fled to neighbouring Poland.

A protester holds a sign in front of the gate of the Russian embassy during an anti-war protest in London
A protester holds a sign in front of the gate of the Russian embassy during an anti-war protest in London (REUTERS)

Protests against the war took place across the world on Saturday, including in Japan, Pakistan, Turkey, France and Greece.

In Taiwan, demonstrators chanting “Stand with Ukraine“ and “Glory to Ukraine” protested outside the Russian representative office, while Ukrainians in Paraguay gathered with flags and balloons to protest against the invasion.

Despite heavy fighting in Kyiv and a night of Russian assaults, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said he was still in control of the capital.

Russia claims its assault on Ukraine is aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools and residential neighbourhoods have all been hit. On Saturday, a missile struck a tower block in the outskirts of Kyiv, with reports of six civilians being injured.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in