"Howlin' Bikers" Head to Berlin: Putin's Packs Pay Tribute in Brandenburg
Russian paramilitary group "Night Wolves" pays tribute with wreaths in Brandenburg
The infamous motorcycle gang, the "Howlin' Bikers" or "Night Wolves," are creating a stir with their self-declared "Victory Tour" to Berlin. Regardless of the sanctions against the crew due to their position on Ukraine, the caravan marches on towards Berlin.
Riding high on their Russian nationalist pride, members of the Howlin' Bikers visited two memorials in Brandenburg, adorning Schönwalde and Baruth with wreaths before embarking for Berlin. The authorities kept a watchful eye at the events. Earlier in their journey, the convoy stopped over in Dresden comprising around 60 bikers with 50 motorcycles.
The bikers kicked off their journey from Moscow at the start of the biking season, with nearly an hour's worth of motorcycles departing from their club. Streets were closed in Moscow to make room for their procession. Some riders donned camouflage uniforms, while others sported vests emblazoned with their snarling wolf logo and tail. They brandished club flags, as well as Russian and German flags, with some vehicles displaying the controversial "Z" symbol.
This time around, the Howlin' Bikers are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Berlin. Bracing for a public reception, the bikers announced their intentions to pay tribute to the victory over fascism and the enduring values of peaceful coexistence and unity.
Political Affiliations
Founded in 1989, the Howlin' Bikers, previously known as "Nochnye Volki," rose from the Soviet motorcycle subculture to international prominence due to their entanglement in Russian nationalism and unwavering support for Vladimir Putin. They have ventured beyond Russia's borders, establishing chapters across Eastern Europe.
Known for their fervent nationalism and close ties to the Kremlin, the Howlin' Bikers have been actively involved in various pro-Russian activities, including patriotic rides and commemorations. However, their allegiance to Putin's policies, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has resulted in their placement on EU sanctions lists in 2022, barring Russian members from entering the EU.
History of the Howlin' Bikers
Born in the late 80s as a part of the Soviet motorcycle subculture, the Howlin' Bikers rocketed into the international spotlight thanks to their involvement in Russian nationalism and unwavering backing for Vladimir Putin. As the club spread its presence beyond Russian borders, establishing chapters in countries across Eastern Europe, they continued to make waves in the world.
Years of comradery laid the foundation for a bond tethered by a mutual love for motorcycles and the Russian spirit. Throughout their history, the Howlin' Bikers have remained steadfast supporters of Putin's political agenda, reflecting their commitment to their budding nation's well-being. However, their actions have not been without controversy, with international scrutiny and criticism directed towards the club, particularly in the face of ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
Berlin Bound: A Yearly Tradition
Each year, the Howlin' Bikers organize a "Victory Tour" to honor the Soviet victory in World War II. This traditional ride usually culminates in Berlin, marking a significant historical milestone. The club visits memorials and sites of significance to the Soviet war effort. In recent times, European members of the club have maintained this tradition in the absence of their Russian counterparts due to EU sanctions. These celebrations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Russian people.
This year, the 80th anniversary of the war's end brings renewed importance to the event. The European chapters of the Howlin' Bikers are gearing up for their journey, with plans to ride through Slovakia and the Czech Republic before concluding their tour in Berlin[1][2][3]. As Germany braces for the arrival of the bikers, security measures will be beefed up for Victory in Europe Day celebrations.
[1] https://www.ntv.de/politik/Nachtwolfe-starkendar-Victory-Ride-in-Berlin-putins-Bikers-legen-Kranze-gegen-den-Brandenburg,4838348.html[2] https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/international/nachtwolven-naar-berlijn-owen-steynmans-veteraanreis-en-verdediging-van-putin~a5dd827c/[3] https://www.dw.com/de/nachtwolfe-koennen-auf-berliner-kriegerdenkmal-kommen/a-62176169
- The Howlin' Bikers, despite EU sanctions, have declared a "Victory Tour" to Berlin, marking a significant moment in the common foreign and security policy of the European Union.
- In Brandenburg, the Howlin' Bikers, on their way to Berlin, have commemorated the end of World War II by placing wreaths at Schönwalde and Baruth.
- The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is being marked by the Howlin' Bikers in Berlin as a tribute to the victory over fascism and the enduring values of peaceful coexistence and unity.
- Founded in 1989, the Howlin' Bikers, or Nochnye Volki, are a Russian motorcycle club with political affiliations, rising to international prominence due to their involvement in Russian nationalism and unwavering support for Vladimir Putin.
- The Howlin' Bikers have been actively involved in various pro-Russian activities, including patriotic rides and commemorations, and have chapters across Eastern Europe.
- The Howlin' Bikers' allegiance to Putin's policies, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has resulted in their placement on EU sanctions lists, barring Russian members from entering the EU.
- Amidst all the political maneuvers, the Howlin' Bikers continue to celebrate their annual "Victory Tour," honoring the Soviet victory in World War II and reminding the world of the sacrifices made during the war.
- As the Howlin' Bikers prepare for their annual "Victory Tour" to Berlin, with European chapters leading the way this year due to EU sanctions, security measures are being beefed up for Victory in Europe Day celebrations.
