"Victory Run" to Berlin: Russia's "Night Wolves" Honors WWII Past Amid Controversy
Russian paramilitary group "Night Wolves" honors memorial in Brandenburg
The infamous biker gang, "Night Wolves", known for being staunch supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin and their pro-Kremlin stance, have kicked off their annual pilgrimage to Berlin, dubbed the "Victory Run." Despite facing sanctions due to their backing of Russia's stance on Ukraine, the motorcycle club continues undeterred, journeying to their destination commemorating World War II.
This year, the occasion is the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, and the "Night Wolves" plan to honor it on May 9th at the Soviet Memorial in Treptower Park, Berlin. The bikers, who regard this tribute as symbolizing not only the triumph over fascism but also the lasting values of peaceful coexistence and camaraderie among nations, have announced their intentions in advance.
Originating from Moscow, the pack of around 60 riders with approximately 50 motorcycles made stops in Dresden en route to Berlin. Upon entering Brandenburg, they paid tribute by laying wreaths at Schönwalde and Baruth before pressing on towards Berlin. As expected, police were present at each location.
The "Victory Run" has been an annual event for the "Night Wolves", whose objective is to commemorate WWII. Last year, German authorities annulled the visas of several group members, preventing their entry to the country. This time, in an attempt to avoid negative attention, the "Night Wolves" have chosen to mostly fly under the radar.
The "Night Wolves" are nationalists who uphold Russia's annexation of Crimea. Yet, they recognize the debate in Germany about whether Russian representatives should be allowed to attend official WWII commemorations. Some members share the sentiment that Russia "has no one to ask and asks no one." Others uncover the absurdity in the situation, remarking, "It's all irrelevant." However, they acknowledge their ancestors, members of the Red Army, fought against Nazi Germany and lost a substantial number in WWII.
A few "Night Wolves" members remain confident that someone from their club will be in Berlin on May 9th, as the group also has members in Germany. These bikers demonstrated their dedication by laying wreaths and red carnations just before an official WWII commemoration in Torgau on the Elbe.
The "Night Wolves" set off from Moscow at the beginning of April to mark the culmination of the biking season and the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. With their motorcycles decorated with club flags, as well as Russian and German flags, they navigated the streets of Moscow, which were temporarily closed for the gathering.
World War II ended in Europe on May 8th, 1945, with Germany surrendering. Every year on May 9th, Russia celebrates the triumph over Hitler's Germany as "Victory Day." Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier recently warned the Bundestag about the looming threat of nationalism, dictatorship, and war reemerging. Steinmeier echoes concerns that those countries previously responsible for defeating Hitler's fascism have become new aggressors, referring to Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Bikers | Nationalism | World War II | 80 Years of Peace | Russia | Brandenburg | Berlin | Vladimir Putin | Ukraine | Sanctions
In 2025, the "Victory Ride" traveled through multiple European countries, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany, aiming to reach Berlin around May 8th and 9th - the dates marking Victory in Europe Day. This annual event is associated with the glorification of Russia’s military history and political narratives supportive of Russia's current actions, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, widely denounced as a violation of international law.
The "Victory Ride" is a symbolic journey that visits war memorials and significant sites in commemoration of WWII victories. In Germany, the police prepared to intervene should any participants openly express support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine or break the laws. Due to sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian members of the Night Wolves are barred from entering the EU, so the riders involved in 2025 were from European branches of the club or associates.
The "Victory Ride" marked the end of a biking season, honoring World War II and World War II victory anniversaries, specifically the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
This politically charged motorcycle tour was met with increased security and legal cautiousness in Europe, particularly Germany, during the sensitive historical commemoration period to prevent propaganda and maintain public order.
The Night Wolves' pro-Kremlin stance and support for the war against Ukraine make them highly controversial and negatively perceived in Europe.
- Despite the ongoing sanctions related to Russia's stance on Ukraine, the annual "Victory Ride" commemorating World War II continued, traveling through Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany, aiming to reach Berlin around May 8th and 9th.
- The European branches of the "Night Wolves" and associates participated in the "Victory Ride" of 2025, as Russian members were barred from entering the EU due to sanctions.
- The politically charged "Victory Ride" visited war memorials and significant sites in commemoration of WWII victories, with the police prepared to intervene should any participants openly express support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine or break the laws.
- The "Victory Ride" marked the end of a biking season, honoring World War II and World War II victory anniversaries, specifically the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
- The Night Wolves' pro-Kremlin stance and support for the war against Ukraine make them highly controversial and negatively perceived in Europe, which led to increased security and legal cautiousness during the sensitive historical commemoration period.
