Penza, 13 March 2014. PenzaNews. Over five thousand people gathered for a rally in support of compatriots and the brotherly people of Ukraine “We don't desert our people!” which took place in the square by the new Regional Philharmonic in Penza on Thursday, March 13. Among them were students, teachers, workers, representatives of the Cossacks, various political parties, as well as combat veterans.

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The protesters held posters reading “Russia does not desert her people,” “Crimeans, we are with you,” “We do care about the fate of Ukraine,” “Berkut, we are with you! From the veterans of internal troops,” “No to extremism,” “Russia is against death,” “Fascism shall not pass!” “Sursk families support the families of Ukraine and Crimea,” and others.

The first one to address the gathered was the chairman of Penza regional organization “Russian Union of Afghan Veterans” Vladimir Kholzinev who strongly opposed to extremism in Ukraine.

“I urge the Afghan veterans of south-east Ukraine to unite, not to be afraid of the new government, to protect their language, people, culture, and if needed, Afghanistan veterans from Penza are ready to help at any moment. Brothers, we are with you! Russians do not desert their people,” he stressed.

The next to speak was the chairman of Penza city council of veterans, World War II veteran, a member of the Battle of Stalingrad Vladimir Kerkhanadzhev.

“Dear friends! Today we have gathered here to express our outrage and indignation over the fascist coup in Ukraine. We, the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, condemn it and fully support the Ukrainian people. We will always protect it from fascist invaders. We endorse the decision of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on the use of the Armed Forces,” he said after which the crowd responded with a cry “Crimea — Russia.”

In turn, the Honored Artist of Russia, the artist of the Regional Drama Theater named after A. Lunacharsky Sergei Kazakov, who is also a confidant of the president of Russia, said that the meetings taking place across the country in support of the people of Ukraine are quite significant.

“Look how many people gathered here today under different banners. When the trouble comes, Russia unites,” he stressed.

“Russia is the only country where there is an antidote to fascism. Fascism shall not pass!” he added, and the crowd echoed his words.

Then, the attitude to what is happening in Ukraine was expressed by representatives of public organizations and political parties.

During the speech of the deputy of the State Duma of Russia from the Penza region Vladimir Simagin, a group of activists in clothing with symbols of the Communist Party ran to a platform in front of the stage and set fire to a piece of cloth sewn out of flags of the United States, NATO and the EU, an dthen the young people merged with the crowd.

The rally lasted for about an hour.

Then there was a concert organized by leading creative groups of the Penza region.