Overview
- The Nachtwölfe, a nationalist Russian motorcycle club, has started their symbolic ride from Moscow to Berlin to mark the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end.
- The club plans to commemorate Victory Day on May 9 at Berlin’s Treptower Park Soviet War Memorial, despite uncertainty over EU entry due to sanctions.
- Berlin police have confirmed bans on Russian flags and symbols glorifying the war in Ukraine, including the letter 'Z,' which some riders displayed in Moscow.
- The Nachtwölfe, known supporters of President Vladimir Putin, previously toured Crimea with him in 2014 following its annexation.
- The ride has reignited debate over Russian participation in WWII remembrance events in Germany, especially given ongoing tensions over the Ukraine conflict.