Berlin to ban flags of USSR, Belarus, and Russia's Chechen Republic, as well as Russian military symbols on May 8-9

Berlin police plan to introduce strict general orders regarding Soviet memorials for the period of May 8 and 9. According to a police spokesperson cited by Berliner Morgenpost, the ban includes flags of the former Soviet Union, Belarus, and the Russian Republic of Chechnya. However, following a lawsuit by Ukrainian associations, the flags of the attacked country are not prohibited.

The restrictions also cover the wearing of military uniforms or their parts, military insignia, and the "individual or emphasized display" of the letters "V" or "Z," as well as the display of so-called St. George ribbons. Additionally, it is forbidden to raise images of the heads of state of Russia, Belarus, and Chechnya, though partial exceptions apply to diplomats and veterans of World War II.

Furthermore, the orders prohibit the playing or performing of Russian marches or military songs and the demonstration of symbols glorifying the war against Ukraine, such as depictions of Ukraine without its Russia-occupied territories or the flags of annexed separatist territories.

According to the police representative, it is currently unknown whether a demonstration by the Night Wolves will occur. The pro-Kremlin Russian biker group has been under EU sanctions since 2022, meaning members of the main Russian club are not permitted to enter the European Union.