"Triumphant Tyres" to Berlin: Putin's "Night Wolves" Pay Homage in Brandenburg
Russian paramilitary group, "Night Wolves," pay their respects with wreaths at Brandenburg memorial site, allegedly under Putin's guidance.
The infamous nationalist motorcycle gang, the "Night Wolves," are causing quite a storm with their self-proclaimed "triumphant tyres" journey to Berlin. Despite the sanctions imposed on the club and its members due to their stance on Ukraine, the convoy persists towards its destination.
In Brandenburg, these pro-Russian motorcyclists, representing the nationalist "Night Wolves," paid tribute at two Soviet memorial sites - Schönwalde and Baruth - before marching towards Berlin. Police were present to oversee the event. Prior to this, the approximately 60 bikers with 50 motorcycles had made a pitstop in Dresden.
This time around, the Russian bikers set off from Moscow in late April, embarking on a controversial "triumphant tyres" ride from Moscow to the German capital to mark World War II's end in Berlin. Much like the past year, they've embarked on this contentious journey. In 2015, German authorities annulled the visas of several members and prevented their entry to the country.
This time, the intention is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the war's end - an event which the "Notschnyje Wolki" aim to honor at the Soviet Memorial in Treptower Park, Berlin, on May 9. "This will not only symbolize the victory over fascism, but also the lasting values of peaceful coexistence and friendship among nations," the rockers declared in advance.
"Night Wolves" Stand by Putin
Known for their extreme nationalism, the "Night Wolves" back Russian President Vladimir Putin and support the annexation of Crimea. Consequently, the club and individual members have been subjected to sanctions, casting doubt on whether the Russian rockers would even reach Berlin.
The club is well aware of the heated debate in Germany concerning whether Russian representatives should be permitted to attend official World War II commemorations. "Russia has no need to ask and doesn't ask for permission," said member Sven. "It's entirely irrelevant," stated another member, failing to grasp the gravity of the situation. Nevertheless, they believe that it is their ancestors, part of the Red Army, who perished in the fight against Nazi Germany during World War II. The Soviet Union, the legal heir of which is Russia, lost a staggering 27 million people in World War II.
Some members of the "Night Wolves" will indeed be in Berlin on May 9, they boldly stated before departure. The club maintains a presence in Germany, and its members frequently lay wreaths and red carnations at World War II memorials, such as the one in Torgau on the Elbe.
Moscow at a Standstill for "Night Wolves" Departure
The club combined the departure with the commencing of the biker season. It took almost an hour for hundreds of motorcycle riders to leave the club grounds. Streets in Moscow were locked down for them. Some wore combat uniforms, while others sported vests featuring the snarling wolf logo and flame tail.
They carried club flags, as well as Russian and German flags. Some vehicles also exhibited the letter "Z," the prohibited symbol of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Germany.
May 8, 1945, marked the day when Germany surrendered, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. Every year on May 9, Russia commemorates its victory over Hitler's Germany as "Victory Day." Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sounded the alarm in the Bundestag about the reemergence of nationalism, dictatorship, and war. In addition to the resurgence of far-right extremism in Germany, Steinmeier views this threat primarily in those states that, at immense cost, defeated Hitler's fascism. "The liberators of Auschwitz have become new aggressors," Steinmeier states about Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Reference(s): ntv.de, gut/dpa
- Bikers
- Nationalism
- World War II
- 80th anniversary of the war's end
- Russia
- Brandenburg
- Berlin
- Vladimir Putin
- Germany
- Sanctions
- The motorcyclists, affiliated with the "Night Wolves" community, are embarking on a journey from Moscow to Berlin, given the name "triumphant tyres" ride.
- Despite the imposed sanctions, the pro-Russian "Night Wolves" motorcycle convoy continues towards their destination, Berlin.
- In Brandenburg, motorcyclists representing the "Night Wolves" visited two Soviet memorial sites - Schönwalde and Baruth - before moving towards Berlin.
- The first leg of the journey began in late April, with the intention of commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's end in Berlin on May 9.
- The "Night Wolves," known for their extreme nationalism, support Russian President Vladimir Putin and his stance on Ukraine and Crimea.
- Due to their controversial involvement, it was uncertain whether the Russian bikers would even be allowed to reach Berlin.
- The "Night Wolves" have stated that they will have members present in Berlin on May 9 to commemorate the event.
- The departure of the motorcyclists was combined with the start of the biker season in Moscow, locking down streets for them.
- Some of the bikers wore combat uniforms, while others carried the snarling wolf logo and flame tail vests.
- They displayed club flags and Russian and German flags, as well as vehicles exhibiting the prohibited "Z" symbol of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Germany.
- May 8, 1945, was the day Germany surrendered, signifying the end of World War II in Europe, with Russia commemorating its victory over Nazi Germany as "Victory Day" every year on May 9.
- Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued concerns in the Bundestag about the reemergence of nationalism, dictatorship, and war, particularly in those countries that fought against Hitler's fascism during World War II.
- Bikers, nationalism, World War II, 80th anniversary of the war's end, Russia, Brandenburg, Berlin, Vladimir Putin, Germany, sanctions, and extreme nationalism are themes prominent in this unfolding event.
- The "Night Wolves" are a controversial figure in the common foreign and security policy discussions within the economic and monetary union, specifically in regards to their political stance and associations.
- The motorcyclists' journey can be seen as a symbolic act in the context of common foreign and security policy, as it touches upon topics of historical significance and contemporary geopolitical implications.
- Despite the controversies surrounding the "Night Wolves," their "triumphant tyres" ride to Berlin presents an opportunity for dialogue and understanding, reaffirming the values of peaceful coexistence and friendship among nations.
