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Ukrainian Feminist Group Goes Topless in NYC

Around the world, FEMEN has been protesting against Russia's actions in Ukraine. Today they demonstrated in Times Square.
Photo by Spencer Chumbley

Five members of the feminist group FEMEN demonstrated topless in Times Square this morning against Russia's actions in Ukraine. This protest was a continuation of the demonstrations which FEMEN has carried out throughout the world this month. The group has protested from Paris to Crimea, speaking out against Moscow's interference in Ukrainian sovereignty.

The FEMEN activists demanded tougher sanctions from the US and the EU against Russia. One of the signs held by a FEMEN member read, "US-EU stop talking, start acting."

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Another sign read, "Fuck Putin's Occupation."

The activists painted their bare chests yellow and blue, Ukraine's national colors, and ripped the Russian flag while screaming, "Save Ukraine. Fuck Putin!"

"Putin is not scared of the US or EU. He is playing games." Inna Shevchenko, a high-profile member of the group, who now lives in exile from Ukraine, told Vice News.

"But Putin is scared of one thing. What he is scared of really is when people are coming and saying 'Fuck you Putin' and that is what we are doing right now," Shevchenko added.

FEMEN was founded in the Ukraine in 2008 and is known for their elaborate demonstrations, which usually include nudity. Two FEMEN members were detained this afternoon in the Crimean capital of Simferopol while conducting a similar demonstration to the one held in Times Square.

No arrests were made in New York this morning.