Overview

• The Brandenburgische Stiftung Gedenkstätten formally disinvited Russian and Belarusian officials from 80th-anniversary WWII memorial events out of respect for Ukrainian guests.
• Russian Ambassador Sergej Netschajew protested the exclusion and led a separate silent commemoration at Sachsenhausen to honor Red Army soldiers.
• The German Foreign Office recommended the exclusion, citing fears that Russia might exploit the events for propaganda linked to its war in Ukraine.
• Brandenburg officials, including Minister-President Dietmar Woidke, supported the decision, but domestic political voices remain divided on the policy.
• The foundation's director, Axel Drecoll, confirmed plans to enforce house rights to prevent unsanctioned appearances by Russian representatives at official ceremonies.