Hundreds Rally in Germany against Sending Weapons to Ukraine

Holding banners and placards advocating for peace and social justice, the demonstrators conveyed their message with slogans such as 'Offensive for Peace and Social Justice - Now! North German Peace Movement', '100 billion Euros! For war and destruction? We say NO!', and 'Make peace without weapons', among others.

The march commenced at Muenster train station and proceeded towards the heart of Germany's most militarized region. The rally extended outside the tank museum and the tank troop school, symbolizing the focus on peace in a region dominated by military presence.

"Muenster is part of the most heavily militarized region of Germany. Here, everything revolves around tanks. The assault vehicles are manufactured at Rheinmetall in Unterluss. The tank school in Muenster serves as Europe's largest troop training area. Between Bergmund and Bad-Vollinghessel lies the war training ground, and disused tanks from destructive missions can be admired at the tank museum in Muenster," stated one of the activists, highlighting the prevalent militarization in the area.

As the largest Bundeswehr army base, Muenster houses numerous barracks and the tank troop school, where Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly trained.

Meanwhile, in Hannover, another demonstration was held under the theme 'Diplomacy instead of weapons,' focusing on de-escalation efforts in Ukraine. Rally participants displayed flags, banners, and placards bearing messages such as 'Rich people deliver weapons, weapons deliver corpse', 'Peace and cooperation with Russia. End of the sanctions against Russia', and 'No to war, yes to peace'.

"The alternative is very clear. An immediate ceasefire and negotiations without preconditions. Only through diplomacy can this war end. It is of utmost importance because innocent people are dying every day," expressed one of the event participants, emphasizing the significance of diplomatic solutions.

Echoing this sentiment, another activist stressed the need for all parties involved to engage in dialogue. "Every weapon serves only to kill and not to create peace," she added.

Criticism has been mounting against German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, particularly regarding its supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine. Analysts interpret this policy as an indirect involvement in the conflict. Politicians from the Green Party, a member of the governing coalition, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock, have faced particular scrutiny for their perceived warmongering stance.

The demonstrations in Muenster and Hannover reflect a growing call for diplomacy and de-escalation amidst ongoing conflicts.