"Stepping Away from the Past" BSW Pols Head to Russian "Victory Day" Fete Amid Controversy
Politicians from the BSW party attend Russia's commemoration of "Victory Day."
The Russian ambassador to Germany is hosting a soiree on May 9 to fête victory against Nazi Germany. Most German politicos are anticipated to skip - but two noteworthy members of the BSW are expected to attend, with two others making a trip to Moscow for the occasion.
Klaus Ernst and Sevim Dağdelen, former BSW members of Germany's Bundestag, shared their plans to attend a Russian embassy reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World War II victory over Germany. As per "Der Spiegel," Ernst argued that he wished to express opposition against the "distortion of history" and the allegation that the current Russian government is "fascist."
By attending, Ernst is also speaking out against the "demonization of Russia" and what he perceives as "clear indicators of war preparations in Germany." He asserted, "Russia is not my enemy, and I do not feel threatened or even at war with Russia."
Dağdelen told "Der Spiegel" that it's a misrepresentation of history to exclude Russia, the successor state of the Soviet Union, from Germany's WWII remembrance. She explained, "The 80th anniversary of the liberation from fascism should be a chance for a fresh start in German-Russian relations. All possibilities for dialogue should be utilized for this purpose."
In addition, two MEPs from the BSW revealed their intention to jet off to Moscow for the WWII victory celebration. Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich announced they also plan to visit Kiev post-Moscow trip. They've reached out to the Ukrainian embassy for these arrangements.
These MEPs plan to chat with Russian parliamentarians and other politicos in Moscow during their two-day visit. According to their schedule, the visit overlaps with a declared truce. They declared, "We also intend to send a message that we aspire for the guns in Ukraine to remain silent forever."
On May 9, Russia will commemorate its victory over Nazi Germany, a day later than Germany. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire around this date, to be celebrated in Moscow with a military parade. Kyiv, however, demands silence for at least 30 days. As many world leaders are set to attend the Moscow parade, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is slated to arrive for a four-day state visit that day.
- Russia- Moscow- Kremlin- Ukraine Conflict- Berlin- BSW
[1] https://www.arena.org.rs/novi-sad/act/blog/ruski-vojni-parad-u-moskvi-pre-sirotek-od-ukraine-bi-moralo-da-bilo-interesno/[3] https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_Day_Parade_in_Moscow[5] https://www.digitaltrends.com/news/putin-celebrates-victory-day-parade-moscow-2021/
- The attendance of Klaus Ernst and Sevim Dağdelen, former members of Germany's Bundestag, at a Russian embassy reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World War II victory over Germany is a demonstration of their opposition against the "distortion of history" and the perceived "demonization of Russia."
- In addition to attending the Russian embassy reception, two MEPs from the BSW, Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich, have announced their intention to visit Moscow for the WWII victory celebration and later travel to Kiev.
- During their two-day visit to Moscow, they plan to engage in talks with Russian parliamentarians and other politicos, expressing their hope for an end to the Ukraine Conflict by sending a message that they aspire for the guns in Ukraine to remain silent forever.
- As many world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are set to attend the Moscow parade, Russia, under Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, has ordered a three-day ceasefire around the date of the commemoration, overlapping with a declared truce in the Ukraine Conflict. This truce follows the Berlin-based BSW's MEPs' visit, aiming for a fresh start in Russian-German relations amidst the ongoing politics of war-and-conflicts.
