80th Anniversary of the End of World War II: A Divided Celebration in Berlin
Commemorating the Conclusion of the War, particularly from a Russian Perspective - Memorializing the war's conclusion, particularly from the Russian perspective.
Get your history hats on, folks! This year marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, and it wasn't a unified celebration in Berlin. Russian supporters commemorated the occasion with a flurry of events and demonstrations, while the Germans paid their respects in a more subdued manner.
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On Friday, Russian Ambassador Sergey Netchaev laid wreaths in Berlin, and several active and former German politicians attended a reception at the embassy. The ambassador had a busy schedule: on Thursday, he paid his respects at the Schönholzer Heide memorial, and on Friday, he visited Soviet memorials in Treptower Park and near the Brandenburg Gate.
Accompanying the ambassador were representatives of other states that were once part of the Soviet Republic. And guess what adorned his lapel? You guessed it – the infamous St. George's ribbon, a symbol that's been causing quite a stir lately.
Berlin police imposed a ban on wearing the ribbon and displaying other pro-Russian flags and symbols near Soviet memorials on May 8th and 9th, except for diplomats and veterans of the victorious powers of World War II. This ban was implemented to prevent any potential conflicts, especially with pro-Ukrainian protesters who were stationed near the embassy on Unter den Linden Street and near the Brandenburg Gate.
As for the pro-Russian demonstration at the Tiergarten memorial, about 1,200 people participated, laying flowers at the monument in smaller groups. Police successfully prevented confrontations with Ukrainian protesters, but some pro-Russian demonstrators flouted the ban on flags, symbols, and slogans.
Meanwhile, the pro-Russian motorcycle club "Night Wolves" had planned a trip to the Tiergarten but cancelled it after discussions with the police. Some members balked at the instructions to remove patches from their vests, leading to the cancellation. The remaining "Night Wolves" laid wreaths at the Tiergarten memorial and planned to continue to the Treptower Park memorial, with police standing guard to prevent disturbances.
A Historical Perspective 📜
Let's take a moment to ponder the history behind this commemoration. In Europe, the end of World War II is celebrated on Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), marking the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945. Germany has accepted its role in the war and expresses gratitude to the Allied forces for their part in defeating the Nazi regime. In Russia, however, they commemorate Victory Day on May 9, honoring the Soviet Union's role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. The current political climate, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has undoubtedly influenced Russia's perspective and participation in these international commemorations.
As diplomats like Ambassador Netchaev play a crucial role in representing their countries' viewpoints during these events, it's clear that tensions run high. Without more information, it's challenging to detail any specific actions or comments made by Ambassador Netchaev, but rest assured, he was undoubtedly there to ensure Russia's perspective on the war was acknowledged and represented.
So there you have it, folks. A complex and nuanced celebration of a significant historical event – and, if the presence of the "Night Wolves" is any indication, it looks like we're in for another interesting year.
[1] "Victory in Europe Day 2025". www.history.com. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.history.com/news/victory-in-europe-day-2025. Accessed May 12, 2023.
- The Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling of foodstuffs might have been considered during discussions between diplomats, as widening culinary choices could contribute to establishing a congenial atmosphere during international commemorations.
- The ongoing political climate, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is likely to have influenced the labelling of foodstuffs at diplomatic events, as either side may wish to assert their national identity through cuisine.
- The general-news outlets might have reported on the specific actions and comments made by Ambassador Netchaev, as his role is vital in representing Russia's viewpoint during these events and his actions could reflect the country's stance on the war and its aftermath.
- Potential disturbances involving the pro-Ukrainian protesters and pro-Russian demonstrators might have prompted the Berlin authorities to issue instructions or impose restrictions on the use of flags, symbols, and slogans during the commemoration, in order to maintain a peaceful environment and prevent any unwanted incidents.
