In a first, thousands of Russians marched today in protest of Russian interference and clandestine support of pro-Moscow separatists fueling the ongoing civil conflict in Ukraine.

Protesters took to central Moscow over the what many see as Russia's opportunistic meddling for a land-grab. Observers were quick to note the event was a sharp contrast to the near solid support Russian president Vladimir Putin had in the past concerning the country's strife-ridden neighbor. 

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"Putin means war, he is the leader of the party of war," one of the organisers and prominent Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov said by phone to reporters at Al-Jazeera. "If there are a lot of us today, he will back down, because he is afraid of his own citizens, and only the Russian people can stop Putin." 

Protesters chanted "No to war," while holding banners emblazoned with "Putin, I'm sick of your lies," "We are together," and "I don't want a war with Ukraine." Russian and Ukrainian flags were seen flying over the crowd. Some protesters shouted "Glory to Ukraine!"

It is believed approximately 3000 people have died since Ukraine descended into a low-level civil war beginning in February. The crisis became a "frozen conflict" between fighters advocating for annexation into Russia and forces loyal to a united Ukrainian state, but took center stage after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was downed will a total loss of life over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine.

Pro-Russian fighters are largely suspected to have shot the plane down using an advanced surface-to-air missile system provided via back channels by Putin. Moscow denies the charge.

Sunday's event served as a continuation of the last Peace March held ahead of Russia's annexation of Crimea in March, according to its organizers. While the Moscow protest was the largest, Gazeta.ru reported similar events in the cities of Saratov, Perm, Petrozavodsk, Syktyvkar, Barnaul, and Yekaterinburg.

The Moscow march was peaceful, with no violence reported. Muscovite police told reporters that 5000 people were involved with the march, while protest organizers placed the count at 26,000.

TagsRussian, Protest, march, anti-war, Russian involvement in Ukraine, Moscow