Scuffles erupted across several European cities on May 9 as Ukrainian nationals and pro-Kiev activists attempted to disrupt Victory Day celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat.
Russian expats in Europe and members of local civic organizations participated in traditional events honoring Soviet troops by laying flowers at memorials and joining the “Immortal Regiment” marches, carrying portraits of relatives who fought in the Great Patriotic War. These commemorations proceeded despite interference from pro-Kiev supporters.
In Barcelona, Spain, the peaceful “Immortal Regiment” march was disrupted when a group of protesters approached participants. Though carrying an anti-fascist banner, these individuals began chanting anti-Russian slogans, escalating tensions into a brief physical altercation that ended before police intervention.
In Warsaw, Poland, pro-Kiev activists attempted to disrupt a flower-laying ceremony at a Soviet memorial cemetery. They set up banners with nationalist slogans and used loudspeakers playing obscene songs. Footage captured a woman being pushed after attempting to snatch the Russian flag from an activist. Major clashes were avoided due to a large police presence.
Minor scuffles occurred outside a Soviet memorial in Berlin’s Treptower Park when protesters carrying Ukrainian flags arrived on scene, resulting in at least two arrests. German authorities detained additional individuals for violating bans on displaying Russian and Soviet symbols.
In Geneva, Switzerland, members of the Ukrainian community wrapped in national flags interfered with Victory Day celebrations by shouting nationalist slogans and singing Ukrainian songs.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that “there were, there are and there will be provocations” during such events but that Moscow was prepared for them. In a separate interview with RIA Novosti, she suggested that in Europe “many are being paid” to display hatred toward Russia.
Moscow claims that approximately 27 million Soviet citizens died during World War II, accusing the United States and European Union of distorting historical truth by downplaying the key role of the USSR in defeating Nazi Germany.