Members of the Russian nationalist biker club “Night Wolves” have arrived in Berlin. Known as supporters of Putin, they recently attended his inauguration. The police are accompanying their rides. The group visited the Soviet War Memorial in Tiergarten and were also expected at the memorial in Treptower Park. The “Night Wolves” are anti-Western and support Putin and pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine. They often visit various memorials on Victory Day in Russia, celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany on May 9th.
Along with the “Night Wolves,” hundreds of people gathered at the two memorials to commemorate the end of World War II 79 years ago. The Russian ambassador visited both sites and greeted Russian Orthodox clergy at Treptower Park. About 30 members of the group had visited Potsdam the day before, mainly consisting of members from German branches. They stopped at various locations as part of their annual tour marking the end of World War II and the liberation from National Socialism. The group behaved inconspicuously during their visit, with police accompanying them on their tours in Brandenburg.
The group had visited a Soviet cemetery in Oranienburg and the Sachsenhausen memorial before spending the night in Hennigsdorf. The Russian Ambassador also attended the commemorations. May 8th, 1945 marked Germany’s surrender, ending World War II in Europe. Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9th. The “Night Wolves” have been visiting memorials to mark this occasion. At the Treptower Park memorial in Berlin, visitors laid wreaths and flowers, many in military uniforms. Russian Ambassador was expected to attend a ceremony at the Tiergarten memorial as well.
The police checked visitors at the park entrances for prohibited symbols and objects but reported no incidents initially. The “Night Wolves” have been known to visit memorials on important dates related to Russian history, including Victory Day. The group’s leader had recently attended Putin’s inauguration, along with actor Steven Seagal. The group’s emblem features a snarling wolf’s head with a tail of fire on their leather jackets. Their visits to Germany have been part of their annual tradition to mark the end of World War II and the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The presence of the “Night Wolves” in Berlin has stirred controversy, as they are seen as supporters of Putin and his policies. Their visits to memorials in Germany have attracted attention, with police monitoring their movements. Notable figures, including the Russian ambassador, have also been present at these ceremonies. The group’s activities have remained peaceful so far, with no reported incidents during their visits to various memorials in Berlin and Brandenburg. The “Night Wolves” continue to attract attention for their anti-Western stance and allegiance to Putin.
