Remembering War's End: Russian Ambassador's Annual Memorial Visit
Russian envoy once more pays tribute at traditional commemorative ceremony - Russia's Permanent Representative Addressing United Nations Assembly
On the 80-year mark since the wrapping up of war in Europe, Russian Ambassador Sergei Nechaev returned to Berlin, laying wreaths at Soviet memorials yet again. This year, he visited the Soviet memorials in Treptower Park and in the Tiergarten near the Brandenburg Gate.
In contrast, Russians celebrate their day of remembrance on May 9th, while Germans honor the day on May 8th. The ambassador had already placed a wreath at the Schönholzer Heide memorial the day before.
The ambassador was accompanied by representatives from former states in the Soviet Bloc, as well as bodyguards, during his visit. Again, he was spotted adorning the Order of St. George ribbon on his lapel.
German authorities had forbidden the open display of this ribbon, along with other pro-Russian flags and symbols, around Soviet memorials on May 8th and 9th. However, diplomats and veterans of the World War II Allied powers are permitted to flaunt these emblems during commemorative events.
A known pro-Russian motorcycle club, the "Night Wolves," could also be seen at the Treptow memorial. In the morning, a smaller delegation from the group laid a wreath at the site. As per the police's instructions, they removed their insignia-emblazoned vests.
The "Night Wolves" are set to participate in large numbers at the Tiergarten later in the day. Their motorcycles are slated to be stationed near the Tiergarten, with the club members embarking for the monument in groups of eight to ten.
The "Night Wolves" are renowned for backing Russian President Vladimir Putin and the annexation of Crimea, as well as their extreme nationalist ideology. Earlier in the week, the motorcycle riders had paid a visit to two Soviet memorials in Brandenburg.
The police reiterated the guidelines for maintaining a respectful and solemn atmosphere at the memorials, assuring strict enforcement of the regulations. The obligatory events on this significant day were numerous.
Insights:
- The Order of St. George ribbon, with its distinctive black-and-orange stripes, represents a historical victory, military tradition, and contemporary propaganda of Russian power.
- Controversy surrounds this ribbon's public display at Soviet memorials in Berlin, a reflection of ongoing geopolitical tensions attributed to Russia's contemporary military actions and ideological frameworks.
- The Russian Ambassador, Sergei Nechaev, was seen wearing the Order of St. George ribbon on his lapel during his annual memorial visit to Soviet memorials in Berlin.
- The Order of St. George ribbon, known for its black-and-orange stripes, is a symbol representing a historical victory, military tradition, and contemporary propaganda of Russian power.
- German authorities have forbidden the open display of the Order of St. George ribbon, along with other pro-Russian flags and symbols, around Soviet memorials on May 8th and 9th.
- Diplomats and veterans of the World War II Allied powers are permitted to flaunt these emblems during commemorative events, despite the ban on public display.
