Protesters call for end to Ukraine ’counter terrorism’ operation

Protesters have rallied in Riga today calling for an end to Ukraine's 'counter teorrorism' operation, LETA reports.

The demonstration by the European Russian Movement was held at the Freedom Monument in Riga.

"Today, when Ukraine's armed forces are shelling civilian regions in eastern Ukraine using artillery, aviation and ballistic missiles, it is a duty of every honest European citizen to say no to this madness,"   the association's founder and board member Jelena Bacinska said.

"Europe has forgotten the lessons it learned from World War I and II and is creating preconditions for World War III with its actions in Ukraine,

"As members of civic society, it is our duty to do our best in order to stop and avert bloodshed in the territory of Europe,"

Demonstrators presented a photo exhibition to inform the public about the tragedy and horrors that take place in Ukraine.

Members also collected donations during the rally in order to support victims in eastern Ukraine. 

In mid-April,  separatists began taking over state institutions, police buildings and other strategic facilities, such as airfields, and started setting up check points on roads. Moscow has denied it's suppporting the local separatists and called for peace in the country. 

On July 5, separatists were driven out ofimportant centers in Donbas - Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Separatists are now building up their forces in Donetsk and Luhansk.