"Night Wolves" Roar Towards Berlin in Controversial "Victory Ride"
Russian paramilitary group "Night Wolves" paid tribute with floral tributes in Brandenburg, Germany.
The infamous Russian motorcycle club, "Night Wolves," is stirring up controversy once again with their self-proclaimed "Victory Ride" to Berlin. Despite their pro-Kremlin stance and ongoing sanctions due to their actions in Ukraine, the convoy forges ahead.
Recently, these pro-Russian bikers paid visits to two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg. The passionate bunch left wreaths at Schönwalde and Baruth before setting off towards Berlin. Police were on the scene during these stops, with earlier reports stating that around 60 bikers with 50 motorcycles stopped in Dresden.
The journey to Berlin commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, with the "Night Wolves" marking the occasion at the Soviet Memorial in Berlin's Treptower Park. This event is not only a commemoration of victory over fascism but also a symbol of enduring values of peaceful coexistence and friendship among peoples, according to the motorcyclists’ announcement.
A Contentious Connection to Putin
The "Night Wolves" are known for their extreme nationalism and support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their backing of the annexation of Crimea has earned them sanctions, leaving their ability to reach Berlin uncertain.
The group recognizes the debate in Germany about whether Russian representatives should be allowed to attend official World War II commemorations. One member points out that Russia doesn’t need to ask anyone for permission, while another expresses bewilderment, asserting that it was their ancestors who fought against Nazi Germany as members of the Red Army. Despite Russia losing 27 million people in the war, some members are certain that at least one of their members will be in Berlin on May 9, with the club boasting of having members in Germany.
The "Night Wolves" combined the start of their journey with the beginning of the biker season. Over 100 motorcyclists rumbled their way out from the club grounds in Moscow, with streets closed for their passage. Some riders donned camouflage uniforms, while others sported vests bearing the snarling wolf logo and flame tails. Club flags, as well as Russian and German flags, were displayed proudly on the vehicles, some even adorned with the letter "Z," a symbol associated with Russia’s current military actions in Ukraine.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Every year on May 9, Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany as "Victory Day." German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has spoken out about the threat of nationalism, dictatorship, and war reemerging, with a resurgence of right-wing extremism in Germany and concerns about Putin’s Russia returning to its roots as the "liberators of Auschwitz."
The "Night Wolves" and their "Victory Ride" represent a highly contentious event in today’s geopolitical landscape, intertwining historical commemoration and pro-Russian propaganda amidst the ongoing conflict between East and West. EU countries remain cautious, imposing sanctions on Russian members and closely monitoring European branches to counter any extremist or illegal activities.
- In adherence to their community policy, European countries remain cautious towards the "Night Wolves", a pro-Russian motorcycle club, as they make their way to Berlin for the "Victory Ride", despite their economic and monetary union's sanctions against them due to their actions in Ukraine.
- The "Night Wolves", sporting their distinctive logo and uniforms, recently stopped at two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg, Schönwalde and Baruth, leaving wreaths before continuing their journey, while police kept a watchful eye during these commemorations.
- The "Night Wolves" view their journey as a common foreign and security policy symbol, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, promoting values of peaceful coexistence and friendship among peoples.
- Amidst debates in Germany about whether Russian representatives should be allowed to attend official World War II commemorations, "Night Wolves" members justify their presence, citing their ancestors' role in the Red Army during the war and asserting that Russia doesn't need permission from anyone.
- As the "Night Wolves" continue their ride, sporting Russian and German flags, and the symbol "Z", associated with military actions in Ukraine, the common security policy and common security and defence of the European Union remain vigilant, closely monitoring European branches to counter any extremist or illegal activities.
