Spain rallies mark Ukraine war anniversary
Thousands march in Madrid and Barcelona urging ceasefire and renewed diplomacy
Thousands marched in Madrid and Barcelona to mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. In Madrid, protesters carried banners reading “No to War” and “Peace Now,” while a recently arrived Ukrainian named Yana said she speaks often with friends back home and feels their pain. In Barcelona, demonstrators paraded along a main thoroughfare with placards reading “Ukraine defends us all” and chanted “Ukraine today, Europe tomorrow.”
Organizers and speakers in both cities highlighted the humanitarian toll of four years of fighting—hundreds of thousands killed, millions displaced and widespread destruction across Ukrainian towns and cities—and urged European leaders to prioritize negotiations over further military escalation. Many called for increased humanitarian aid and accountability for alleged violations of international law. Moments of silence were observed for victims, and police said the demonstrations remained peaceful though they caused traffic disruptions.
The rallies occurred amid continued hostilities: Ukrainian officials reported overnight Russian attacks using drones and ballistic and cruise missiles, and diplomatic efforts by the United States to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv have produced limited progress. Moscow has pressed Kyiv to withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas region, a demand Ukraine rejects.
Spain has seen recurrent anti-war mobilizations since the conflict began, reflecting public divisions over military support, sanctions and diplomatic strategy. Organizers estimated tens of thousands participated across both cities, while official turnout figures were not immediately available. Humanitarian groups warned that mounting civilian casualties and needs persist, and protesters urged political leaders to intensify peace initiatives to prevent further loss of life and wider repercussions for Europe.
