Russian Police Raid Pro-Ukraine Music Festival

Russian security forces detained about 100 people during a raid on an informal music festival in the Vyborg District of the Leningrad Region. Authorities labeled the event "left-wing radical" and suspect its participants of, among other things, supporting Ukraine and engaging in "mass drug use".

According to security forces, songs in support of Ukraine were sung at the festival and calls for regime change in Russia were heard. Police said they found posters bearing Ukrainian symbols near the stage and seized drones that attendees had allegedly been using near the border with Finland. Authorities also suspect the participants of drug use.

According to Russian media, the festival has been held since 2023, with organizers revealing its exact location shortly before it begins. Authorities are considering launching criminal proceedings.

On Saturday night, security forces also intervened at the Simach club in Moscow, where about 200 visitors were searched on suspicion of drug possession and use.

(TASS, The Moscow Times, sab)