Tuesday 9, May
Russian flags banned in Treptower Park for Victory Day
Officials from the Russian Embassy were granted an exception from the rule
Each year May 9 is celebrated in Russia and some of the countries of the former Soviet Union as Victory Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Red Army. In Moscow, this means big military parades and speeches from Vladimir Putin. Berlin has long seen its own celebrations, too, with people gathering to dress up, drink songs and wave flags around the Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park.
Recent years have seen this Berlin celebration come under serious scrutiny – with many people wondering whether a celebration of the Russian military is appropriate at a time when they are attacking their neighbours (and fellow former members of the Red Army) in Ukraine. Anticipating this fraught political situation, a Berlin court initially banned all national and political flags from this years commemorations. This meant no Russian flags, no Ukrainian flags, no Soviet flags and no ribbons of St George (an orange and black striped symbol of the Russian military).
🐺 Putin-supporting Night Wolves head for Germany
This ruling was challenged however and, after some back and forth, Ukrainian flags will be permitted at the celebration this year – while the Russian flags and ribbons remain banned. The Berlin police tweeted early on Tuesday morning that there had been some people spotted wearing the St George’s Ribbon, but that since they were officials from the Russian Embassy they were granted an exception from the rule.
These symbols aren’t the only controversial presence at Berlin’s Victory Day. The Russian motorcycle gang the Night Wolves have also made the journey from Moscow are are expected to attend the celebration today. Before arriving in Treptower Park, the group visited military cemeteries are other significant locations in Germany.
