Law enforcement personnel remove barriers following Selenskyj's visit

Authorities remove street obstacles prepared for Zelenskyy's arrival - Barricades are erected once more following the visit of Zelenskyy.

In August 2025, Berlin hosted a high-profile visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with strict and extensive security measures implemented due to the sensitive nature of the visit and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Berlin Police faced a significant challenge managing the security for the visit, given the "extreme security risk" posed by hosting the Ukrainian president. Key security arrangements included a heavy police presence around the city, with officers on water patrols on the Spree river, and snipers strategically positioned on rooftops. Rapid deployment of police personnel was also necessary, causing a strain on the police force.

The visit created significant strain on Berlin's traffic and transportation systems. The short notice limited advanced planning, forcing police and city authorities to scramble logistical support. While specific traffic management tactics are not detailed, the large police deployment and security cordons for key locations likely caused major disruptions in the city’s transportation flow during the event.

Streets and footpaths were temporarily closed throughout the parliamentary and government district, causing disruptions for residents and commuters. The Berlin Police accompanied the visit with extensive security measures, including deployment of snipers, police boats, and jet skis. Hundreds of officers were deployed for the visit, but specific numbers were not initially provided.

Despite logistical challenges and criticism about the politicization of the event by some local political figures, the security operations ensured the safety of the visiting head of state and accompanying dignitaries. After the visit, normal life resumed in Berlin, with road closures being dismantled and restrictions lifted.

The goal of the visit was to find a common line with US President Donald Trump before he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska on Friday. The video conferences with European heads of state and government were initiated by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). During the visit, Zelensky participated in video conferences about the future of his country.

A pro-Palestinian protest camp in the government district had to move for the duration of the state visit. The participants of the protest camp left the camp when asked by the police.

Overall, Zelensky’s 2025 Berlin visit was secured through intense police presence, sniper coverage, and water patrols, leading to considerable pressure on Berlin’s police and likely causing traffic and transport disruptions due to the expedited and large-scale security mobilization. Similar disruptions occurred around Berlin's airport BER. The Berlin Police was supported by deployment forces from Brandenburg, Thuringia, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the Federal Police. According to the union, "everything that can be made available is being called in" for the current visit. Police spokesman Florian Nath stated that clear structures, processes, and close cooperation allow for reliable implementation of security measures, even with short-term appointments. Stephan Weh, Berlin state chairman of the Police Union (GdP), described the situation as "super-grotesque."