Russian paramilitary group, known as "Night Wolves," pay tribute by placing floral arrangements in Brandenburg.
All hell's breaking loose as the infamous Russian gang, "Night Wolves," the pro-Putin, extreme nationalist motorcycle club, embarks on their questionable "Victory Ride" to Berlin, Germany. These biker bad boys have ignited controversy across Europe, despite EU sanctions against them due to their aggressive stances on Ukraine and support for Russia's annexation of Crimea.
The shockwaves from their radical actions have reverberated all the way to Brandenburg, where these bikers paid their respects at two Soviet memorial sites, Schönwalde and Baruth. Police were on the scene as the gang laid wreaths, prepared to roll into the capital. Earlier, the convoy had made a pit stop in Dresden, causing quite a scene.
The “Victory Ride” is their annual pilgrimage to mark the end of World War II, which they'll be commemorating on May 9th at the Soviet Memorial in Berlin's Treptower Park – a symbolic gesture they claim represents not only victory over fascism but also the enduring values of peaceful coexistence and the friendship of peoples.
However, their intentions are anything but peaceful, as these bikers proudly support President Vladimir Putin's agenda and harbor deep nationalist sentiments. One member waxed philosophical, stating, "Russia has no one to ask and Russia asks no one." Another biker dismissed the controversy about Russian representatives attending World War II commemorations in Germany, reminding everyone that it was their ancestors, members of the Red Army, who fought against Nazi Germany and lost 27 million people in the process.
As the ride approaches its climax, some members express optimism that at least one Night Wolf will be in Berlin on May 9th, all the while laying wreaths and red carnations near official World War II memorials in other countries. But alas, European Union sanctions mean that Russian members of the club are barred from entering EU countries, including Germany.
In preparation for the defiant bikers, police in Germany have increased security, aiming to maintain law and order during the commemorative events. The German Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, gave a stark warning against the return of nationalism, dictatorship, and war in the Bundestag, noting that the liberators of Auschwitz have become new aggressors in Putin's Russia. As the "Victory Ride" rolls in, tensions between the EU and Russia remain high.
Throughout their travels, the Night Wolves have stoked political fires, prompting debate on whether they should be allowed to participate in official World War II commemorations. Despite their controversial actions, these bikers remain undeterred, roaring their way through the heart of Europe like a storm of resentment – a testament to the enduring power of patriotism and the stubborn persistence of old wounds.
Bikers, Nationalism, World War II, 80th anniversary of the war's end, Russia, Brandenburg, Berlin, Vladimir Putin. Germany, Sanctions, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Right-wing extremism
- The Night Wolves, a Russian motorcycle club known for their pro-Putin and extreme nationalist stance, are causing controversy across Europe as they embark on their annual "Victory Ride" to Berlin, Germany.
- Despite EU sanctions against them, members of the Night Wolves have already visited Brandenburg, laying wreaths at Soviet memorial sites and causing a scene in Dresden.
- The "Victory Ride" is a commemorative event marking the end of World War II, with the bikers planning to lay wreaths at the Soviet Memorial in Berlin's Treptower Park on May 9th, the 80th anniversary of the war's end.
- President Vladimir Putin's agenda and deep nationalist sentiments are supported by these bikers, who have stirred political debate over their participation in official World War II commemorations.
- German authorities have increased security in preparation for the Night Wolves' arrival in Berlin, as tensions between the EU and Russia remain high amidst the political and historical controversies surrounding the bikers' ride.
