Demonstrator holds bilingual sign condemning the war in Ukraine photo: Patrick O’Heffernan

Patrick O’Heffernan(Ajijic).- At its height, Wednesday’s demonstration for peace and against the war in Ukraine held  at the intersection of  P. del Lago and the Carretera attracted about 60 people waving signs and banners and Ukrainian flags. 

The protest was organized by the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to register local opposition to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It kicked off at 4:30  pm Wednesday 9 March,  and occupied both sides of the Carretera at the intersection.  Passing drivers honked their horns or  shouted words of support and agreement.  Many demonstrators were dressed in the Ukrainian national colors of blue and yellow with white for peace. 

Demonstrators make clear their opposition to Putin’s war and their support for Ukraine. Photo: Patrick O’Heffernan.

The local action stands in opposition to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s position that México will not issue economic sanctions against  Russia.  Demonstrators interviewed by Laguna expressed opinions ranging from disbelief to anger that AMLO decided to keep México “neutral” as most other nations condemned the invasion and war.

“ I am here for peace, for Ukraine,” said one demonstrator, “and I don’t understand how Mexico’s President can remain neutral when the Russians are killing children.”

Russian bombing of children in hospitals, homes, and refugee camps were mentioned by many demonstrators. “I am here for the children – for God’s sake, the Russians are bombing children!”  said one woman as she waved her sign at passing cars.