Anti-war protests erupt across Europe, small rallies in Russia

Tens of thousands of people rallied Sunday in cities across Europe to protest against Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, with small vigils taking place in Russia as well despite a crackdown by authorities against such demonstrations.

German trade unions called a protest in Berlin, where sunny weather boosted the turnout. The march led from the city's Alexanderplatz -- a large square named after Russian Tsar Alexander I -- to a site near the Brandenburg Gate.

Many participants carried flags in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine, while others bore banners reading "Stop the War" and "Peace and Solidarity for the people in Ukraine."

Norbert Herring, who held up a sign that read, "What are you doing to your neighbour?" as the crowds filed past the Russian Embassy, said the images from Ukraine reminded him of the bombing of cities during the Second World War.

Several participants at the Berlin protest said they were Russians ashamed about what their country was doing.