A Decade Remembered: Russian Ambassador Honors Remembrance with St. George's Ribbon
Russian Diplomat Honors with St.George's Medal - Memorial Held for Russian Ambassador Accompanied by St. George's Musical Ensemble
In the heart of Berlin, Russian Ambassador Sergei Netchaev honored the 80-year anniversary of the end of the Great Conflict by adorning the Soviet memorial in Schönholzer Heide with a wreath and wearing the famous St. George's Ribbon.
Berlin authorities had issued a formal decree, forbidding the display of the ribbon and other pro-Russian symbols near Soviet memorials on the commemoral days of the 8th and 9th of May. However, exceptions were made for diplomats and veterans of the victorious powers of World War II.
Amidst tensions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German parliamentary officials excluded the official representatives of the Russian and Belarusian states from attending the commemorative events. Instead, Russian diplomats paid their respects at the memorial in Niederschönhausen.
Around midday, a floral tribute was left in front of the Russian embassy in Mitte, accompanied by the message: "Forever opposed to fascism - harmony with Russia."
On May 8, Berlin hosted approximately 5,000 people at 40 registered events to commemorate the end of the Nazi dictatorship and World War II. Despite the heightened political climate, the commemorations remained calm and respectful, authorities reported.
The Story Behind the St. George's Ribbon
Before its association with the current conflict, the St. George's Ribbon was originally used to commemorate the victory of World War II by the Soviet Union, symbolizing a strong bond between the citizens and the army. The ban on the ribbon and other pro-Russian symbols during commemorative events reflects Berlin's attempts to navigating sensitive political tensions while honoring historical milestones.
Political Implications of the Ban
The ban on the St. George's Ribbon and other pro-Russian symbols during Soviet memorials is primarily aimed at preventing any actions that could be perceived as glorifying the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The authorities view these symbols as potentially inciting violence and propagandistic, and seek to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the commemorations. The ban also signifies broader political sensitivities due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Berlin wishing to avoid any perception that these events are supporting or glorifying Russia's actions in the conflict.
- end of the Great Conflict
- Berlin
- diplomat
- memorial
- World War II
- St. George's Ribbon
- Despite the ban on pro-Russian symbols near Soviet memorials in Berlin, Russian Ambassador Sergei Netchaev commemorated the 80-year anniversary of the end of the Great Conflict by adorning the memorial in Schönholzer Heide with a wreath and wearing the famous St. George's Ribbon.
- The St. George's Ribbon, originally used to commemorate the victory of World War II by the Soviet Union, was strongly associated with Russia during the recent commemorative events in Berlin, even amidst tensions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in light of the memorial and diplomatic events in Berlin that centered around symbols related to World War II and its aftermath.
- The German parliamentary officials' exclusion of the official representatives of the Russian and Belarusian states from the commemorative events in Berlin reflect the ongoing sensitivity about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the political implications of symbols and memorials during times of war-and-conflicts and general-news reporting.
