Overview

• The Nachtwölfe, a Russian nationalist motorcycle club, arrived in Dresden on May 7 as part of their ride from Moscow to Berlin marking the 80th anniversary of WWII's end.
• Saxony police confirmed preparations for the group’s arrival, with concerns raised over their use of the banned 'Z' symbol linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• The club and its members are subject to EU sanctions due to their support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, adding a diplomatic layer to their journey through Europe.
• The Nachtwölfe aim to commemorate Victory Day on May 9 at Berlin’s Soviet War Memorial, though uncertainties remain about their ability to complete the final leg of the trip.
• The group, closely tied to President Vladimir Putin, has drawn criticism for blending WWII remembrance with contemporary pro-Russian political symbolism.