Russian paramilitary group "Night Wolves," led by Putin's ally, pay tribute with floral arrangements in Brandenburg
Rewritten Article:
"Night Wolves" on "Victory Ride" to Berlin: Putin's Bikers Stir the Pot
The notorious motorcycle club "Night Wolves," renowned for their nationalist ties, are stirring up controversy with their self-proclaimed "Victory Ride" to Berlin. Due to their pro-Russia stance and actions in Ukraine, sanctions abound. Nevertheless, their convoy is steaming toward the German capital.
These pro-Russian motorcyclists, hailing from the nationalistic "Night Wolves" club paid a visit to two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg. Members of this biker gang laid wreaths in Schönwalde and Baruth before pressing on to Berlin. Police kept a watchful eye. Before this, the rough gang of around 60 riders with 50 motorcycles made a stop in Dresden.
The Russian bikers embarked from Moscow to Berlin toward the end of April to pay their respects to World War II. Much like last year, they are undertaking a contentious "Victory Ride" from Moscow to the German capital. In 2015, German authorities invalidated the visas of several members, barring their entry.
Politics and Memorials - The Soviet Memorial in Berlin-Treptow
This time, the occasion is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which the "Night Wolves" want to honor on May 9 at the Soviet Memorial in the Treptower Park in Berlin. "This will symbolize the victory over fascism but also the enduring values of peaceful coexistence and the friendship of peoples," the rockers announced in advance.
"Night Wolves" - Putin's diehard Supporters
The "Night Wolves" are diehard nationalists who proudly support Vladimir Putin and back the annexation of Crimea. Due to their stance on Ukraine, the club and individual members face sanctions, leaving question marks over whether the Russian bikers will even make it to Berlin.
The club acknowledges the debate in Germany over whether Russian representatives should be allowed to join official World War II commemorations. "Russia has no one to ask and Russia asks no one," said member Sven. "It's all irrelevant," said another member, demonstrating a lack of understanding. After all, it was their ancestors, members of the Red Army, who fell fighting Nazi Germany during World War II. The Soviet Union, Russia's legal successor, lost 27 million people in World War II.
Some "Night Wolves" members are convinced that someone from their club will be in Berlin on May 9. The club has German members, who pays their respect at an official World War II memorial in Torgau on the Elbe on Friday.
Moscow's Streets Closed for "Night Wolves"
The club intertwined the commencement of their journey with the beginning of the biking season. It took nearly an hour for hundreds of motorcyclists to depart the club grounds. In Moscow, roads were closed for them. Some wore camouflage uniforms, others sported vests bearing the snarling wolf logo and flame tail.
They hoisted club flags, as well as Russian and German flags. Some vehicles also displayed the letter "Z," a symbol of the Russian invasion of Ukraine banned in Germany.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered, signaling an end to World War II in Europe. Every year on May 9, Russia commemorates its victory over Hitler's Germany as "Victory Day." In his warning to the Bundestag, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned of the resurgence of nationalism, dictatorship, and war. Beyond the rise of far-right extremism in Germany, Steinmeier points to those very states, which at immense cost had brought about the defeat of Hitler's fascism, now becoming new aggressors. "The liberators of Auschwitz have become new aggressors," Steinmeier says, referring to Vladimir Putin's Russia.
- The motorcycle club "Night Wolves," known for their nationalist ties and pro-Russia stance, have initiated a controversial "Victory Ride" to Berlin, despite sanctions and controversy.
- The "Night Wolves" bikers, on their way to Berlin, visited Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg, laying wreaths in Schönwalde and Baruth as part of their journey.
- The "Night Wolves" have announced their intention to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at the Soviet Memorial in the Treptower Park in Berlin on May 9, symbolizing victory over fascism and peaceful coexistence.
- The "Night Wolves," diehard nationalists who support Vladimir Putin and the annexation of Crimea, face sanctions regarding their actions in Ukraine, causing question marks about their Berlin visit.
- The "Night Wolves" club intertwined the start of their journey with the beginning of the biking season in Moscow, as hundreds of motorcyclists departed with flags of their club, Russia, and Germany, some displaying the banned "Z" symbol of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
