Slovak police monitor the latest information on the planned route of the Pro-Kremlin Russian motorcycle club Night Wolves regarding their route through Slovakia. According to the Head of Communications and Prevention department of the Slovak Police Marianna Paulíková, in case of any complications, the relevant police units will be ready to intervene. The controversial Russian bikers club, known for being close to the Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday set off on a ride to Berlin ahead of the anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II. The motorcycle convoy should travel from Moscow and after passing Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic arrive on 9 May to the German capital. This commemorative action faces potential troubles as according to AFP the German government may refuse entrance to certain leaders of the Night Wolves and their visas obtained on false pretences have been annulled. Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz describes the rally as "provocation" and Warsaw on Friday refused entry to any organized biker group that includes members of the Night Wolves.
A group of 75 Czech and Slovak personalities from civil, cultural and professional life have signed an appeal to stop the ride of Russian motorcycle club Night Wolves. According to signatories, the message of the bikers is not the defeat of fascism, but rather the support of Russian expansion abroad. The Russian Federation embassy in Slovakia denies the claims that the Night Wolves Moscow-Berlin ride through Bratislava is provocation. The embassy claims that the event is solely dedicated to commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.
