Arrests made as Ukraine flag painted outside Russian embassy in Kensington
Protesters have been arrested after the road outside the Russian embassy in Kensington was painted in the colours of the Ukraine flag.
The protest took place on the eve of the first anniversary since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Protest group Led By Donkeys appears to have claimed the stunt as its own.
In a message on Twitter, the group said: “Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Putin’s imperialist invasion of Ukraine, an independent state and a people with every right to self-determination.
“The existence of a massive Ukrainian flag outside his embassy in London will serve to remind him of that.
Solidarity with Ukraine ✊
(Russian Embassy, London) pic.twitter.com/efRXKgDuqV— Led By Donkeys (@ByDonkeys) February 23, 2023
Four people – three men and one woman – were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing the highway, the Met have confirmed.
They were taken to a west London police station, where they remain.
The campaign group said it created the flag by spreading about 340 litres of yellow and blue paint on the road, which passing traffic then helped cover the road.
The paint reportedly spread from Notting Hill Gate to Kensington Gardens.
The activists added that the paint was “high-standard, non-toxic, solvent-free, eco-friendly, fast-dry edible paint designed for making road art”.
A spokesman for the Met said: “Police were called at 8.45am on Thursday, February 23 to reports of paint having been thrown on the roadway at Kensington Palace Gardens.
“Four people, three males and one female, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing the highway.
“They were taken to a west London police station where they remain at this time. Enquiries continue.”
Pictured top: A Ukrainian flag painted on the road outside the Russian embassy in London by protesters ahead of the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine on Friday (Picture: PA)
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