The Russian motorcycle club ‘Night Wolves,’ known for its ties to President Vladimir Putin, has arrived in the Czech Republic as part of its annual motorcycle rally leading up to May 9, a date commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. This year’s route retraces the path of the Red Army’s advance in 1945, culminating in Berlin, with planned stops for laying flowers at Soviet war memorials.
In the Czech Republic, several politicians view the rally, named ‘Roads of Victory,’ as a vehicle for Russian propaganda and hybrid influence in Europe, particularly following the annexation of Crimea. The bikers’ arrival at the Olšany Cemetery in Prague, which houses a memorial for Soviet soldiers, has frequently been met with protests.
Today, demonstrators gathered at the entrance of the Olšany Cemetery, where the Soviet military memorial is located. A group of several dozen individuals, waving Ukrainian flags and holding signs against the ‘Night Wolves,’ shouted slogans as the bikers made their way to the cemetery.
Among the protesters were both Ukrainians and Czechs, including local bikers who oppose the pro-Russian organization. Otakar Wangemund, the event organizer, commented, “This is a traditional action for us. The so-called ‘Night Wolves’ are embarking on a motorcycle rally around Europe to spread Putin’s propaganda through historical distortion. We are here to ensure that these dark forces cannot tarnish Ukrainians as Nazis while presenting themselves as ‘liberators.'”
Another participant, a Czech woman named Kristina, expressed her opposition to the rally, stating, “When you see these people, they are aggressive. They may not understand reality. I feel compelled to act, so I brought a Ukrainian flag to show that I disagree.”
Across the street from the cemetery, supporters of the ‘Night Wolves’ gathered, displaying Soviet flags and St. George ribbons, with some dressed in elements of Soviet military attire. Some refused to speak with a reporter from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty upon learning she was affiliated with the Ukrainian service.
“Wherever the ‘Wolves’ are, there is goodness and joy. It gives strength not only to me… Putin is about liberation, he is trustworthy. The war in Ukraine is tyranny,” said Tatyana, who was born in Donbas but has lived in the Czech Republic for many years.
When asked whom she supports in the Russian-Ukrainian war, she replied, “On the side of the Lord.” Another supporter, Zlata from Slovakia, emphasized the importance of understanding history, stating, “I think welcoming the ‘Night Wolves’ is a good tradition. It is important to know history and respect it. Everyone standing on this street, on both sides, does not know the truth about the war in Ukraine, what lies behind it, and what the real reasons are.”
The ‘Night Wolves’ and their leader, Alexander Zaldostanov, are known for their close relationship with President Putin. In 2019, the two traveled together through occupied Crimea. Investigative reports have repeatedly highlighted the privileges and material support the club has received in Russia.
Following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, sanctions were imposed on both Russian and Belarusian ‘Night Wolves’ clubs and their leaders. As members from these countries are barred from entering the European Union, the club requested that their ‘Roads of Victory’ rally be conducted by their European chapter, Night MC Europe, which includes citizens from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland, many of whom are Russian nationals who have obtained citizenship in EU countries.
The arrival of the Russian motorcycle club 'Night Wolves' in the Czech Republic has sparked protests, as many view the event as a tool for Russian propaganda. The bikers' rally retraces the Red Army's path in World War II and has been met with both support and opposition from local communities.
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty