On May 6, the Berlin police announced new regulations limiting gatherings and access to public areas near three Soviet military memorials. These restrictions will take effect from May 8 at 6:00 AM until May 9 at 10:00 PM.
The affected areas include Treptow-Köpenick, Mitte, and Pankow. During this period, wearing military uniforms, displaying symbols such as the letters Z and V, and showcasing St. George ribbons, Soviet flags, or any items bearing Russian insignia will be prohibited. Additionally, images of leaders from Belarus, Chechnya, and Russia, as well as representations of Ukraine excluding occupied territories, are also banned.
Furthermore, the regulations extend to Russian military and marching songs, including all versions of “Sacred War,” and any actions that glorify Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. These restrictions apply to all individuals in the designated areas, regardless of their participation in demonstrations, with exceptions made for diplomatic delegations and certain privileged individuals.
World War II veterans are exempt from the ban on military attire, insignia, and St. George ribbons. Flags and ribbons may also be included in wreaths and floral tributes laid at the memorials.
The police have indicated that symbols previously considered benign, such as St. George ribbons and Soviet flags, have taken on a significantly different meaning in light of the current war in Ukraine. Authorities pointed out that Russian propaganda directly links the ongoing conflict to the victory over Nazism in World War II, complicating the distinction between historical commemoration and support for aggression.
The symbol “Z,” which appeared on Russian military equipment at the onset of the invasion, is viewed as an endorsement of the war and could be classified as a criminal act. The regulations express particular concern for Ukrainian refugees living in Berlin, for whom the display of such symbols can be perceived as threatening.
Since 2022, similar measures have been implemented annually in Berlin. In 2023, authorities confiscated 170 items, including fragments of uniforms and St. George ribbons, during events at the Treptow Park memorial, leading to several arrests. Instances of violations, such as wearing St. George ribbons and displaying Russian flags, were reported in both 2023 and 2024.
In Narva, Estonia, which borders Russia, plans are underway to display a poster on the wall of a local castle on May 9, depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin in the likeness of Adolf Hitler. Additionally, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to visit Moscow on May 9 to meet with Putin, although he will not participate in the military parade.
Berlin police have imposed restrictions around Soviet memorials for Victory Day, banning military symbols and actions that glorify the war in Ukraine. The measures aim to protect Ukrainian refugees and prevent provocations during commemorative events.
Source: Європейська правда