Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Cologne, Berlin, and Munich earlier this March, protesting against the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine. The Cologne Carnival is a traditional celebration that takes place every year; however, this year, demonstrators marched, calling for an end to the war, chanting against Russian President Vladimir Putin, and demanding increased economic sanctions on Russian imports. The Cologne carnival is famous for its “Rose Mondays,” where thousands of people take to the streets masqueraded in colors, partying and celebrating across the entire city. With the brutal war on Ukraine, economic sanctions on Russia are increasing, and tensions peaking, this year’s carnival became a peace march for Ukraine. 

Protestors marching in yellow and blue chanted “Stop Putin” and called for peace, standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. According to Deutsche Welle, a German news broadcaster and an activist in Hamburg, Luisa Neubauer stated, “Nothing and no one will stop us rising up, making our voices heard and showing solidarity — just the way autocrats hate.” While demonstrations started in Cologne, they soon spread out around most of Germany and into the month of March. A protester in Berlin stated, “Above all, it is extremely important for Ukrainians to see that we will not forget them, not in two weeks and not after that. If we take to the streets every other Sunday, that’s okay too”. 

While peaceful demonstrations seem to be growing, Germany seems to be in a difficult position. Military support for Ukraine and further intervention against Russia are demanded; however, the international response to the invasion has mainly been in the form of increased economic sanctions. Protestors have insisted on a ban on Russian fuel and energy imports; however, the outcome is that such sanctions have an adverse effect on Germany’s economy.

Robert Habeck, the economy minister of Germany, has expressed that Germany is heavily dependent on Russian resources for energy from fossil fuels. According to Deutsche Welle, he stated, “I would not advocate an embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels. I would even oppose it… We need these energy supplies to maintain the price stability and energy security in Germany”. While the German government has expressed that it is committed to standing with Ukraine against Putin, there remains a concern for the domestic economy; in fear of a potential recession with increased sanctions and prices. Germany has now begun looking for other means to secure energy resources through domestic production in order to weaken the impacts of the import sanctions. However, with the extent to which German resources are dependent on Russia, being the largest Russian gas importer in Europe, a rise in prices and shortage in energy limits the government’s ability to impose the economic sanctions pushed for by protesters. 

Ultimately, the Cologne carnival parade turning into a peace march for Ukraine represents the widespread German solidarity with those suffering at the hands of Putin’s invasion. Across Europe, there has been an increase in anti-war protests; however, tension arises when countries like Germany are impacted by increased economic sanctions. While peaceful demonstrations should continue to condemn the Russian invasion and stand with Ukrainians who are suffering, nations should also start domestic production for goods dependent on Russian resources. While increased domestic production is not a permanent solution, it will help alleviate the effects of inflation in the short run.