To wonder what good protesting does?

[MisplacedPumpkin]

Apologies if this is blindingly obvious to everyone else but what good, practically do these protests do?

Putin isn't just going to drop his guns because a of a few thousand people waving flags and placards.

I understand showing solidarity and support, is there more to it than that?

I've been volunteering to help get donations sorted and transported over to Poland/Ukraine, but beyond that I feel helpless. Are there other ways we can help beyond giving goods and money?

I guess that the more obvious it is that the public care about Ukraine, the more likely it is for the government to commit to more help for them/send more weapons/apply more sanctions (or apply them faster) etc if they know public opinion is in favour.

It's a way for the 'common' person to show their feelings which in turn puts pressure on the government to act.

Thanks, that makes sense.

Photos, news reports of demos in different countries might filter through to ordinary Russians, many of whom are brainwashed by Putin’s propaganda. Hopefully they’ll realise that this is bigger then they probably realise and their leader has brought the world to the brink of WW3.
I received an email from a lady in Ukraine last night ( never met her, I’ve “booked” her Airbnb to get some money to her) She said how grateful the Ukrainian people are to everyone around the world who is standing with them. I’ll see if I can attach her ( translated) message. Any support we can give: demonstrating, petitioning MPs, sending money, sending messages of support all helps.