Man dies on crashing car into Russian Embassy in Bucharest
April 6, 2022
Authorities said the driver died after he rammed his car into the gate of the Russian Embassy. It is unclear whether it was an accident or deliberate.
Russian embassies across Europe have seen protesters in recent weeksImage: Nicolae Dumitrache/AP Photo/picture alliance
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A man died after ramming his car into the gate of the Russian Embassy in Bucharest early on Wednesday, police said.
Police in Bucharest said the sedan drove into the gate at about 6 a.m. but did not enter the embassy compound.
A video recorded before firefighters arrived on the site showed the front of the car ablaze, as it remained wedged into the gate. Security personnel were seen running through the area.
It was unclear whether the crash was an accident or deliberate. Authorities said the driver had died at the scene. Police are investigating the case and did not reveal the identity of the driver.
Recent protests at Russian embassies
In recent weeks, several Russian embassies across Europe have faced protests carried out by people opposing the war on Ukraine.
The previous day, Romania said it would expel 10 Russian diplomats who are not acting in accordance with international rules.
War in Eastern Ukraine: Protests in front of the Russian Embassy in Berlin
Some 650 people gathered in front of the Russian embassy in the German capital on Tuesday, February 23 2022. They expressed concern and grief at the developments in eastern Ukraine.
Image: Markus Schreiber/AP/picture alliance
Stand with Ukraine
There were more people than expected in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin on Tuesday evening. Many waved Ukrainian flags in solidarity. The "Stand with Ukraine" demonstration was organized by "Vitsche Berlin," a group of Ukrainians living in Germany. Loosely translated, the Ukrainian word "viche" means a general meeting of the citizens.
Image: Markus Schreiber/AP/picture alliance
Support from political spectrum
One of the demonstrators was SPD leader Saskia Esken. Among the many other German politicians were Michael Roth, chair of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, Tilman Kuban, leader of the Junge Union, the conservative CDU's youth organization, Sarah-Lee Heinrich from Grüne Jugend, which is linked to the Greens, and Berlin Senator for Culture Klaus Lederer from the Left party.
Image: Paul Zinken/dpa/picture alliance
Concern and fear
Many were unable to hold back their tears amid fears that the conflict in eastern Ukraine will escalate. The demonstration took place just after the Russian parliament had approved a request by the president to use the country's armed forces outside of Russia.
Image: Markus Schreiber/AP/picture alliance
Uncertainty and hope
Covered from head to toe in Ukraine's national colors, this woman, like the other protesters, is full of uncertainty. Will Russian troops advance? Where will they stop? Or is there still hope of a deescalation?
Image: Markus Schreiber/AP/picture alliance
Relentless cyberattacks
This poster refers to the digital disinformation campaigns and cybertattacks that Russia is suspected of conducting. Ukraine has been the victim of major cyberattacks in recent weeks.
Image: Abdulhamid Hosbas/AA/picture alliance
Solidarity
The protesters in Berlin were determined to show their solidarity with Ukraine. Similar gatherings took place in Paris and other cities around the world.
