"Stepping Forward Together" German BSW Politicians Head to Russian "Victory Day" Celebrations
Politicians from the Belgian Socialist Party attend Russian festivities commemorating "Victory Day".
In the heart of Europe, two German politicians from the BSW party are breaking ranks, poised to attend a Russian embassy reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of Germany's World War II defeat. Klaus Ernst and Sevim Dağdelen, ex-members of the German Bundestag, have made their intentions clear, while two current MEPs, Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich, are packing their bags for a trip to Moscow.
According to a report by Spiegel, Ernst asserts that his participation is a clarion call against the distortion of history and the false accusations of fascism against the Russian government. By attending, he strives to protest the condemnation of Russia and the ominous military preparations brewing in Germany. "Russia is not my adversary, and I do not perceive any threats or war from Russia."
Dağdelen, in a similar vein, believes that excluding Russia, the successor state to the Soviet Union, from World War II commemorations in Germany is a distortion of history. She sees the 80th anniversary of liberation from fascism as an opportunity for a fresh start in German-Russian relations and favors utilizing all avenues for dialogue to this end.
Meanwhile, Von der Schulenburg and Firmenich have plans to converse with Russian parliamentarians and other political and cultural figures in Moscow, coinciding with a declared ceasefire. Their itinerary also includes a proposed visit to Kyiv to further discussions, aiming to call for an enduring silence of guns in Ukraine.
Armistice Declared
Before reaching Moscow, the MEPs will come face-to-face with the ongoing Ukraine conflict, as their visit to the Russian capital will align with the announced ceasefire. They also intend to send a resounding message, emphasizing their hope for an everlasting end to the hostilities in Ukraine.
As the Kremlin prepares for a grand military parade, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be a guest of honor, arriving in Moscow for a four-day state visit.
- Russia
- Moscow
- Kremlin
- Ukraine Conflict
- Bundestag
- German Politics
Enrichment Data:
Some German politicians from the BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht, the political alliance led by Sahra Wagenknecht), specifically European Parliament members Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich, plan to attend the Victory Day commemorations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat. Their participation is part of a larger group of European lawmakers (including from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia) advocating for a negotiated ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine[3].
Goals
The delegation's primary objectives are to promote lasting peace in Ukraine and engage with political and cultural figures in Moscow to discuss the possibilities of a cessation of hostilities[3].
Remarks
These representatives emphasize that their presence is not a show of support for Russian politics or the war, but rather a symbolic act intended to encourage dialogue and peace[3].
Context
Their attendance stands in contrast to the official EU position, with most Western leaders declining to participate in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow[4]. The Russian celebration will witness the presence of 29 foreign leaders, primarily from the Global South, and military personnel from 13 countries[4][5]. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about the security risks involved for foreign representatives attending the parade[4].
- In opposition to the majority of Western leaders, German BSW politicians Klaus Ernst, Sevim Dağdelen, Michael von der Schulenburg, and Ruth Firmenich are planning to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, aligning with a larger group of European lawmakers.
- Their goal is to promote a negotiated ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as engage with political and cultural figures in Moscow.
- Despite concerns about the security risks, the delegation's presence is not intended as a show of support for Russian politics or the war, but rather a symbolic act to encourage dialogue and peace.
- The Kremlin's celebration of the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat will also be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to arrive in Moscow for a four-day state visit.
