Second car rally planned in Dublin in support of Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russian supporters of the invasion of Ukraine are planning another public demonstration in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on May 7.

Lans for the demonstration set to start at the Pontifical Cross are being circulated on social media.

The protest followed a small April 10 car rally in the capital along the M50 motorway by pro-Russian supporters.

Three weeks ago, footage surfaced on social media showing a dozen Russian-flagged cars and many with the “Z” sign – the symbol of support for Russian troops in Ukraine – driving through Dublin.

The cavalcade set off near Dublin Airport on April 10 and footage showed them driving through the airport roundabout.

The cars then parked at Metropoint Business Park in nearby Swords for a time. One video shows a woman appearing to be holding a pistol or imitation pistol.

Among the vehicles pictured was a Land Rover Defender 4×4 with the letter ‘Z’ on the bonnet.

Footage of the convoy also appeared on TikTok, with a photo claiming to show 25 of those involved holding Russian and Irish flags.

The advert was criticized the following day by the Ukrainian embassy in Dublin.

However, in recent days, the same organizers of the April 10 demonstration have been sharing information about their latest planned rally on the social media app Telegram, as well as in private Facebook groups.

It is touted as a “car parade” in support of the Russian invasion. It also honors the celebrations on May 9th, when Russians traditionally commemorate the victory over Germany and the Nazis in World War II.

A security source said An Garda Síochána was “aware” of the planned protest in Dublin but it was “not a police matter or concern at this time”. Gardaí will be “on site” if necessary, but “no problems are expected”.

Footage of the April 10 demonstration in the capital was shared by the Ukrainian embassy in Dublin, which denounced the “vile disrespect” towards the “Irish people who oppose Russia’s war on Ukraine”.

The video comes from a private Russian Facebook group with around 19,500 members. The group states it is for Russians in Ireland who oppose censorship.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Ireland has said after the protests of March 10.

There were interpretations of the symbol as “for victory” from the Russian expression “Za pobedy”.

The letter “Z” has become a symbol of support for the Russian invasion since the start of the Russian invasion in late February, appearing on billboards, clothing and apartment blocks in Russia.

Calling for the symbol to be banned, Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland Larysa Gerasko said: “Such rallies and the Russian Z swastika should be banned. This ‘show’ took place in Dublin.”

The “Z” symbol drew a lot of attention when Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak displayed the letter Z on his jersey on the winner’s podium at a World Cup event in Doha earlier last month.

The symbol was spotted on Russian vehicles before and during the invasion of Ukraine, and the “Z” was previously seen on vehicles during the annexation of Crimea and during the Syrian Civil War.