Germany: Berlin hosts peace demonstration against military expansion.

Shotlist Berlin, Germany - Oct 3, 2026 1. Various of demonstration in progress, placards reading "World War III Threatens!" "Disarmament, Now" "No Cannon Fodder" 2. SOUNDBITE (German) demonstrator (name not given): "We are at the most dangerous moment in Europe since the end of World War II. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is extremely brutal and has caused severe destruction, and it is now on the verge of escalating into a 'war over Ukraine', that is, a war between Russia and NATO. We must do everything possible to prevent such a scenario." 3. Demonstrators holding banner reading "Against Rearmament and Conscription" 4. SOUNDBITE (German) demonstrator (name not given): "I come from Hamburg. I am 78 years old this year. My older siblings all lived through World War II. They witnessed the horrors of war and suffered trauma. We do not want war to happen again in Germany." 5. Demonstrators 6. SOUNDBITE (German) demonstrator (name not given): "There is a close causal link between the burden of Germany's social security system and military expansion. We must bring the voice of opposition to this approach to the streets, because this policy direction is unpopular, and we need alternatives. This means we must once again discuss diplomacy and peace." 7. Demonstrators holding placard reading "If we prepare for war, we will have war." Storyline A peace demonstration was held near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany on Saturday, which marks German Unity Day, drawing thousands of people from across the country to protest against military expansion and the reinstatement of compulsory military service. The demonstration was jointly organized by multiple peace initiative organizations, trade unions, and political party groups. Members of the public taking part said that Germany's increasing defense spending in recent years was among their key reasons for turning out. "We are at the most dangerous moment in Europe since the end of World War II. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is extremely brutal and has caused severe destruction, and it is now on the verge of escalating into a 'war over Ukraine', that is, a war between Russia and NATO. We must do everything possible to prevent such a scenario," said a demonstrator. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, Europe's security landscape has undergone major changes, and Germany has been continuously re-examining its role in the European security system. Against this backdrop, the peace demonstration placed opposition to war, opposition to military expansion, and opposition to the reinstatement of compulsory military service at the forefront of its demands. The demonstration also reflects the divergent voices within German society regarding the country's future security path. "I come from Hamburg. I am 78 years old this year. My older siblings all lived through World War II. They witnessed the horrors of war and suffered trauma. We do not want war to happen again in Germany," said a demonstrator. "There is a close causal link between the burden of Germany's social security system and military expansion. We must bring the voice of opposition to this approach to the streets, because this policy direction is unpopular, and we need alternatives. This means we must once again discuss diplomacy and peace," another demonstrator said. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]