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Updated Feb 24, 2022 - World

Over 1,700 Russians detained during anti-war demonstrations

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Police officers detain a demonstrator during a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Moscow on February 24

Police officers detain a demonstrator during a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Moscow on Feb. 24. Photo: Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

Russian police detained more than 1,700 people participating in protests on Thursday against Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, according to OVD-Info, a Russia-based human rights organization that monitors political persecution in the country.

Why it matters: Hundreds of people organized in multiple Russian cities — including Moscow and Saint Petersburg — for protests despite warnings from the government that participants would be arrested.

  • According to OVD-Info, demonstrators in more than 50 cities were detained.
  • The anti-war demonstrations are the largest organized protests against the Russian government since the Kremlin arrested Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny last year.

The big picture: Thousands of people around the world participated in demonstrations rebuking Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.

Worldwide protests in photos:

Police in Russia arresting a person participating in a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Saint Petersburg
Police in Russia arresting a person participating in a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Saint Petersburg on Feb. 24. Photo: Sergei Mikhailichenko/AFP via Getty Images
A man holding up a placard reading "No to war!" in Saint Petersburg
A man holding up a placard reading "No to war!" protests against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Saint Petersburg on Feb. 24. Photo: Sergei Mikhailichenko SERGEI/AFP via Getty Images
Paris protesters against Russian invasion of Ukraine
French protesters wave Ukrainian flags and gather around Paris' Monument à la République on Feb. 24. Photo: Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters in London against Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Anti-war demonstrators and Ukrainians in London gather around 10 Downing Street to protest against Russia's military operation in Ukraine, on Feb. 24. Photo: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
People protesting outside the Russian embassy in Beirut on Feb. 24.
People protesting outside the Russian embassy in Beirut on Feb. 24. Photo: Joseph Eid/AFP via Getty Images
A person in Novosibirsk, Russia, holding a sign that reads "Me/We Against the War" during an anti-war rally on Feb. 24.
A person in Novosibirsk, Russia, holding a sign that reads "Me/We Against the War" during an anti-war rally on Feb. 24. Photo: Kirill Kukhmar\TASS via Getty Images
A protest against Russian aggression in Zagreb, Croatia, on Feb. 24.
A protest against Russian aggression in Zagreb, Croatia, on Feb. 24. Photo: Denis Lavrovic/AFP via Getty Images
People gathering in support for Ukraine in in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 24.
People gathering in support for Ukraine in in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 24. Photo: Berke Bayur/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
People protesting Russia's invasion in Rome on Feb. 24.
People protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Rome on Feb. 24. Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters burning Russia's flag in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw on Feb. 24.
Protesters burn Russia's flag in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw on Feb. 24. Photo: Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images
A protester holding a sign reading "No war with Ukraine" in front of the Russian Embassy in Tokyo on Feb. 24.
A protester holding a sign reading "No war with Ukraine" in front of the Russian Embassy in Tokyo on Feb. 24. Photo: Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Protesters in Berlin demonstrating against Russia on Feb. 24.
Protesters in Berlin on Feb. 24. Photo: Paul Zinken/picture alliance via Getty Images
Protesters demonstrating outside the Russian embassy in London on Feb. 23.
Protesters demonstrate outside the Russian embassy in London on Feb. 23. Photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Demonstrators rallying in front of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vienna during protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Demonstrators rally in front of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vienna during protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Photo: Alex Halada/AFP via Getty Images
Demonstrators gathering in support of Ukraine in Barcelona on Feb. 24.
Demonstrators gathering in support of Ukraine in Barcelona on Feb. 24. Photo: Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images
People holding Ukraine's flag in Berlin on Feb. 24. Photo: Paul Zinken/picture alliance via Getty Images
People holding Ukraine's flag in Berlin on Feb. 24. Photo: Paul Zinken/picture alliance via Getty Images
Protesters waving and wearing Ukraine's flag in Paris on Feb. 24.
Protesters waving and wearing Ukraine's flag in Paris on Feb. 24. Photo: Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images
Demonstrators outside of Russia's embassy in Warsaw, Poland, on Feb. 24.
Demonstrators outside of Russia's embassy in Warsaw, Poland, on Feb. 24. Photo: Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images

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