Russians are turning against their disgraced leader Vladimir Putin after he launched a "full-scale invasion" of Ukraine.
The attack on its neighbour has entered its second day, with missile blasts heard far and wide across Ukraine.
As the invasion continues, Russians are becoming increasingly frustrated by their leader’s actions.
On Thursday, human rights activist Marina Litvinovich urged people to take to the streets to protest against the attack, saying Russian people do not support the decision.
“I know that right now many of you feel desperation, helplessness, shame over Vladimir Putin’s attack on the friendly nation of Ukraine. But I urge you not to despair,” Litvinovich said in a video statement on Facebook.
Russian missiles have already hit large areas of Ukraine
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE/Reuters
“We, the Russian people, are against the war Putin has unleashed. We don’t support this war, it is being waged not on our behalf."
As a result of Litvinovich’s calls, thousands took to the streets of cities across Russia to make their voices heard.
Russian police fought back, with a total 1,702 people being detained by police.
A total of 1,702 people were detained by police in Russia
ANTON VAGANOV/Reuters
Litvinovich has since been detained for her role in the protests, she confirmed on Telegram.
The Kremlin have since hit back at the protests, saying that those people did not have the right to break the law.
Russian residents are also concerned and disappointed by Putin’s assault.
"I'm worried about the people very much, I’m worried to tears," said Zoya Vorobey, from Korolyov, a town outside Moscow.
"I've been watching television since this morning, every minute, to see if anything changes. Unfortunately, nothing."
Several petitions have also been launched slamming the attack.
One, started by a prominent human rights advocate, Lev Ponomavyov, gathered more than 150,000 signatures within several hours and 289,000 by the end of Thursday.
At a separate protest in London, the slamming of Putin and Russia’s invasion was unanimous.
"They are absolutely ignoring all international laws, they are killing civilians. My friends, they are fighting as Ukrainian troops and everything and they are dying for no reason", said protester Mykola Kuzmin.
"It's our land, we didn’t do anything wrong, it’s just Putin’s ambitions."
Protest organiser, Natalia Ravlyuk also called for the UK to use the money gained from sanctions to help Ukraine’s fight.
She said: “They are destroying our cities, they are destroying , they are killing our people, they are killing kids and women. Stop Putin, stop the war. Stop Putin, stop the war."
