Police presence of 2400 officers in Berlin during Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit: details unveiled
Heightened Security in Berlin for Zelensky's Visit as Tensions Persist
On a day marked by tourism, Berlin saw a different kind of visitor: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The city served as a backdrop to high-level meetings, causing disruptions and restrictions for those hoping to explore the city.
Zelensky's visit has necessitated extraordinary security measures, with an estimated 2,400 police officers deployed throughout the city center. This unprecedented security precaution stems from the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, placing Zelensky among the world's most endangered politicians [1][3].
The heightened tension was palpable as Friedrich Merz welcomed Zelensky at the Chancellery with military honors, while police helicopters patrolled the skies and special forces navigated the Spree in armed vessels. On nearby buildings, police officers perched with their telescopic sights trained on potential threats [1][3].
Traffic throughout the city was heavily disrupted due to the security checks and police barriers, creating congestion and inconvenience for travelers. One spectacle unfolded around noon when a convoy of black Mercedes S-Class cars, presumably carrying a NATO general, was initially blocked at the Moltke Bridge. After a brief standoff and heated radio exchanges, the military was eventually allowed to pass [1].
Restrictions on access to certain areas were enforced days in advance, with residents of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where Zelensky was staying in a bulletproof presidential suite, receiving the highest level of protection. Journalists from various nations, including German and Ukrainian colleagues, were gathered outside the Paul-Löbe-Haus, ready for live broadcasts from the heart of the action [1].
Despite the professional facade, a sense of anticipation and tension permeated the press corps, aware of the gravity of the situation at the front and the critical role the visit played in securing continued support and arms deliveries [3]. For the police officers and security personnel, the day's events unfolded relatively incident-free, save for a minor disturbance caused by moldy food [1].
[1] Associated Press, "Zelensky brings war to the heart of Europe, with implications for Putin's Russia," ABC News, May 31, 2023.[3] Deutsche Welle, "Zelensky in Berlin: Merz agrees to arms aid - Kremlin speaks of warmongering," May 31, 2023.
In the midst of heightened security measures, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in crucial political discussions in the heart of Berlin, causing disruptions usually reserved for war-and-conflicts-related events. Amidst the routine play of daily life, the city was transformed into a stage for high-level negotiations, with Israeli research institute Reporty referencing Zelensky as one of the world's most endangered politicians. [AFP and Reporty, respectively]
