Bikers on a Politi-coaster: The "Night Wolves" Roll into Berlin for a Commemorative Ride
Russian paramilitary group "Night Wolves" places floral tributes in Brandenburg, Germany.
In the midst of political drama, the Russian biker gang, the "Night Wolves," are causing quite a stir with their self-proclaimed "Victory Ride" to Berlin. Despite the club's controversial stances and sanctions due to their stance on Ukraine, they're riding high towards their goal.
Paying homage to the past, these pro-Russian motorcyclists, belonging to the nationalist club, have visited two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg. In Schönwalde and Baruth, they laid wreaths as part of their journey. With police present, the approximately 60 bikers and 50 motorcycles made a stop in Dresden before heading towards the German capital.
These leathery history buffs set off from Moscow at the end of April, aiming to remember World War II in Berlin. The club has been undertaking this controversial "Victory Ride" from Moscow to the German capital, much like they did last year. In 2015, German authorities annulled the visas of several members and prevented their entry.
This time, the occasion is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which the "Night Wolves" plan to mark on May 9 at the Soviet Memorial in the Treptower Park in Berlin. "This will not only symbolize the victory over fascism but also the enduring values of peaceful coexistence and the friendship of peoples," the rockers declared in advance.
Prancing Pups of Patriotism
Known for their extreme nationalism, the "Night Wolves" openly support Russian President Vladimir Putin and endorse the annexation of Crimea. Their stance on Ukraine has landed them under sanctions, sparking doubts about their presence in Berlin. A member snarled, "Russia has no one to ask and Russia doesn't ask anyone." Another member simply didn't care, stating they were proud to honor their ancestors who fought against Nazi Germany. The Soviet Union, Russia's legal successor, lost an astounding 27 million people in World War II.
Some members express confidence that they'd be in Berlin on May 9, as the club has members in Germany. Indeed, they laid wreaths and red carnations near an official World War II memorial in Torgau on the Elbe on Friday.
The club combined the start of their journey with the kickoff of the biking season. Hundreds of motorcycle riders left the club grounds in Moscow, with streets closed for their passage. They wore camouflage uniforms, vests with the snarling wolf logo and tail, and club flags, as well as Russian and German flags. Some vehicles even displayed the letter "Z," the banned symbol of Russia's war against Ukraine in Germany.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered, and World War II ended in Europe. Every year on May 9, Russia celebrates victory over Hitler's Germany as "Victory Day." In the Bundestag, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned against the return of nationalism, dictatorship, and war. He sees this threat particularly in countries that once fought against Hitler's fascism. "The liberators of Auschwitz have become new aggressors," he laments of Vladimir Putin's Russia.
- Bikers
- Night Wolves
- World War II
- 80th anniversary of the war's end
- Russia
- Brandenburg
- Berlin
- Vladimir Putin
- Germany
- Sanctions
Additional Insights:
The Night Wolves' "Victory Ride" to Berlin holds immense political and symbolic significance as it underlines ongoing tensions between Russia and Europe. By attending World War II commemorations, the Night Wolves challenge international sanctions, asserting their presence in the European political landscape during a significant historical anniversary. However, their actions also highlight Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine and attempts to influence European narratives. The club's participation in these events serves as a strategic move, combining historical commemoration with contemporary political messaging.
[1] EU Sanctions on Russia over Ukraine Crisis https://www.bbc.com/news/business-27650936[2] Czech Court Dissolves Local Chapter of Russian "Night Wolves" Motorcycle Club https://www.reuters.com/world/ europe/czech-court-dissolves- local-chapter-russian-night-wolves-motorcycle-club-2021-03-26/
- The "Night Wolves," a controversial Russian biker gang, are causing a stir with their self-proclaimed "Victory Ride" to Berlin, despite sanctions due to their stance on Ukraine.
- The "Night Wolves" visited two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg as part of their "Victory Ride" to Berlin, paying homage to the past.
- In 2015, German authorities annulled the visas of several members of the "Night Wolves" and prevented their entry into Berlin, but they aim to be in the city on May 9 for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- The "Night Wolves" plan to mark the occasion on May 9 at the Soviet Memorial in the Treptower Park in Berlin, symbolizing the victory over fascism and the enduring values of peaceful coexistence and the friendship of peoples.
- The "Night Wolves" are known for their extreme nationalism, openly supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin and endorsing the annexation of Crimea, creating political and symbolic tensions between Russia and Europe.
