"Time for a Fresh Start" BSW Politicians Join in Russian "Victory Day" Celebrations
Politicians from the BSW party attend festivities marking Russia's "Victory Day" celebration.
On May 9, the Russian Ambassador to Germany is hosting a reception to celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany. Most German political representatives are expected to steer clear - except for two prominent members of the BSW party. Two additional BSW politicians are even jetsetting to Moscow for this monumental occasion.
Prominent ex-BSW German parliament members, Klaus Ernst and Sevim Dağdelen, expressed their intentions to attend the reception at the Russian embassy in Berlin, marking the 80th anniversary of their country's victory over Germany in World War II. They aim to express solidarity against the "misinterpretation of history" and oppose the accusations that the Russian government is "fascist" today.
By attending, Ernst protests against the "demonization of Russia" and the "obvious signs of war preparation in Germany." He believes that "Russia is not my enemy, and I do not feel threatened or even at war with Russia."
Dağdelen maintains that it's unfair to exclude Russia from World War II remembrance in Germany. "The 80th anniversary of liberation from fascism should be a catalyst for renewed friendship in German-Russian relations. All dialogue opportunities should be utilized for this purpose."
Two MEPs from the BSW have also announced plans to travel to Moscow to participate in celebrations honoring the conquest of Nazi Germany during World War II. Parliamentarians Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich disclosed their intention to visit Kyiv after their Moscow expedition. They are currently in communication with the Ukrainian embassy regarding their itinerary.
While touring Moscow, the MEPs plan to "meet with parliamentarians and other political and cultural representatives." Their two-day trip to Moscow, teaming up with three other MEPs hailing from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia, coincides with a declared ceasefire. They aspire to convey the message that their goal is for the gunfire in Ukraine to cease permanently.
On May 9, Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, a day later than Germany. Kremlin head Vladimir Putin has enforced a three-day ceasefire around this date, which will be celebrated in Moscow with a military parade. Despite demands for a 30-day ceasefire from Kyiv, many international guests are expected to attend the parade.
Today, Chinese President Xi Jinping is slated to arrive for a four-day state visit to Moscow.
Insights:- BSW politicians may attend Russian celebrations due to political alignment, diplomatic engagement, historical significance, international influence, or to generate controversy.- Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union's role in World War II, and some politicians might participate to honor Russia's part in defeating Nazi Germany.- The visits can also serve as diplomatic engagements or signify a desire to enhance visibility on the international stage.- Critics argue that attending Victory Day celebrations in Moscow might legitimize Russia's actions and narratives. However, for some politicians, this may be a conscious decision to challenge established views or instigate debate within their own political circles.
Keywords: Russia, Moscow, Kremlin, Ukraine Conflict, Attack on Ukraine, Berlin, BSW, Politics, China, Kyiv
- The BSW party members, Klaus Ernst and Sevim Dağdelen, along with MEPs Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich, are preparing to attend events in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, with the intention of fostering renewed friendship in German-Russian relations and expressing solidarity against perceived "misinterpretations of history."
- While in Moscow for the celebrations, the BSW politicians plan to hold meetings with Russian parliamentarians and other political and cultural representatives, as well as their counterparts from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia, aiming to promote a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- Amidst the political maneuverings and historical commemorations, Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to embark on a four-day state visit to Moscow.
- Despite critics' assertions that attending the Moscow events might legitimize Russia's actions and narratives, some BSW politicians may view these visits as a means to challenge established views and instigate debate within their own political circles, or simply as a matter of diplomatic engagement and international influence.
