"Celebrating the Past, Looking to the Future" BSW Politicians Mingle with Russians on "Victory Day" Anniversary
Politicians from the Belgian Socialist Party participate in the Russian commemorations of "Victory Day".
Get ready for a historical reunion! On May 9, the Russian Embassy in Berlin is hosting a bash to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Two popular BSW members, Klaus Ernst and Sevim Dağdelen, plan to attend this shindig, and two other BSW folk are jetting off to Moscow for the same cause.
According to Spiegel, Ernst wants to send a message against the "history distortion" and the accusation that today's Russian government is "fascist." By showing up, he intends to oppose the "Russia demonization" and the "war preparations" hinted at in Germany. "Russia is not my adversary," he said, "and I do not feel threatened or at war with Russia."
Dağdelen, another BSW member, agrees that it's unfair to exclude Russia from the World War II remembrance in Germany, stating that it should be a fresh start for German-Russian relations instead.
In Moscow, MEPs Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich also plan to pay a visit. After catching up on all things Russia, they'll be hanging out in Kiev. They've already arranged a chat with the Ukrainian embassy. Furthermore, they'll be meeting with parliamentarians and others in the political and cultural scene during their two-day trip, alongside three other MEPs from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia. Fingers crossed that the guns in Ukraine will remain silent permanently!
Keep an eye out for Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow too, as he makes a four-day visit. Many foreign guests are expected to attend the military parade, which will celebrate Russia's victory over Nazi Germany, one day later than Germany. Kiev, on the other hand, claims that the guns should be silent for at least 30 days.
- Russia
- Moscow
- Kremlin
- Ukraine Conflict
- Berlin
- BSW
(Enrichment Data snippet: The BSW, similar to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, tends to advocate for improved relations with Russia. However, the BSW is generally not as influential as the AfD when it comes to shaping German-Russian policy.)
- Klaus Ernst, a BSW member, plans to attend the Russian Embassy's event in Berlin commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, aiming to counter "history distortion" and "Russia demonization."
- Sevim Dağdelen, another BSW member, supports inclusive World War II remembrance in Germany, viewing it as an opportunity for a fresh start in German-Russian relations.
- In Moscow, MEPs Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenenich, along with three other MEPs from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia, will discuss politics and culture with parliamentarians and others during their two-day trip.
- Turkish President Recep Erdogan is also visiting Moscow, potentially adding to the anticipated crowd at the military parade celebrating Russia's victory over Nazi Germany, while Ukrainian authorities call for a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
