The Berlin police announced a complete ban on the use of Soviet, Russian and Belarusian flags, as well as a number of other symbols on 8 and 9 May. The ban does not apply to Ukrainian symbols - this was made possible by the efforts of Ukrainian NGOs.
Berlin tightens ban on symbols of the USSR and Russia
On 8 and 9 May, Berlin will impose a complete ban on the display of the flags of the USSR, Russia, Belarus and Chechnya. According to the Berlin police, the ban also includes St. George's ribbons, the symbols «Z» and «V», images of Putin, Lukashenko й Kadyrova, as well as Russian and Soviet military marches and songs. In addition, military uniforms, insignia and any symbols glorifying the war against Ukraine are not allowed.
More information about the decision and the list of prohibited symbols can be found at on the website of the Berlin press. The ban comes amid expected mass events on Remembrance Day, when Berlin traditionally hosts celebrations at World War II memorials.
Ukrainian symbols are allowed
The peculiarity of this year's ban is that it does not apply to Ukrainian symbols. This decision was made possible by a lawsuit filed by Ukrainian NGOs that secured a clear exception for the flags of a country that has been a victim of aggression. Thus, the use of Ukraine's national symbols is officially allowed in Berlin on 8 and 9 May.
The police emphasise that the ban is aimed at preventing political propaganda and provocations during commemorative events. In previous years, the restrictions also applied to Ukrainian flags, but this time their exclusion is a matter of principle for the city authorities and the public.
Public reaction and consequences
The decision of the Berlin police has already caused a wide response among local Ukrainian organisations and the international community. The activists emphasise that the ban on Russian and Soviet symbols on the days of remembrance is an important step to prevent the justification of aggression against Ukraine.
At the same time, the police note that the tightening of the rules is aimed at ensuring security during mass events and preventing conflict situations. Officials urge residents and visitors to the city to follow the established rules and respect the memory of the war victims.
Why it matters
The ban on Soviet and Russian symbols in Berlin on 8 and 9 May has a significant political and public impact. This decision underscores the solidarity of the German capital with Ukraine and its citizens who have become victims of aggression.
The exemption for Ukrainian symbols is an important signal to the international community to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Such steps contribute to the formation of a clear position on the inadmissibility of war justification and political propaganda in Europe.
Ensuring security and preventing provocations during the commemorative events remains one of the main tasks of the city authorities and law enforcement agencies in Berlin.
