On Friday, hundreds of people gathered in Berlin to participate in the Immortal Regiment, a civilian march that commemorates those who fought for the Soviet Union in World War II. However, the event was marked by controversy as Soviet flags and symbols were banned at memorials marking Nazi Germany’s defeat. The march, which is held annually on May 9 in cities across Russia and other countries, saw participants carry portraits of relatives who fought against Nazi Germany. The idea behind the Immortal Regiment was first conceived in the Russian city of Tomsk in 2012 and has since gained international recognition.
In Berlin, the procession drew members of the Russian community and local residents, moving through the center of the German capital and concluding at the Soviet War Memorial in Tiergarten. This memorial is the final resting place of thousands of Red Army soldiers. To mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, marchers wishing to lay flowers at the memorial were only allowed to approach the site in groups of ten, each escorted by law enforcement. This measure was implemented to maintain order and prevent any potential conflicts.
Tensions rose at the memorial as a group of pro-Ukraine activists attempted to interfere with the flower-laying ceremony, prompting police to intervene and restrain them. The atmosphere was further charged as marchers chanted “Russia, Russia,” while the opposing demonstrators waved Ukrainian and NATO flags and held signs reading “Arm Ukraine.” The divide between the two groups reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The ban on Soviet flags and symbols was imposed by Berlin city officials earlier in the week, citing concerns over the potential for disruption and conflict. The restrictions also prohibited the singing of Soviet songs in public. Moscow swiftly condemned the ban, describing it as “degrading” and “discriminatory.” The Russian embassy in Berlin argued that the measure violated the rights of the descendants of Soviet soldiers, who played a significant role in defeating Nazism during World War II. It is estimated that up to 27 million Soviet citizens lost their lives in the conflict.
This is not the first time that such restrictions have been implemented in Berlin. In 2023, the city authorities outlawed both Russian and Soviet flags during Victory Day commemorations. The following year, additional symbols, including the letters ‘Z’ and ‘V’, were banned due to their association with the Ukraine conflict. Despite these restrictions, participants of the Immortal Regiment found ways to express their sentiments, singing ‘Katyusha’, a popular wartime folk song that symbolizes hope, sacrifice, and longing. The song has become an anthem for those remembering the sacrifices made during World War II, and its performance served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the conflict.
