Berlin moves to ban Soviet symbols at World War II memorials on May 9

Berlin police will introduce a ban on Soviet symbols at World War II memorials on May 8 and 9.

The restrictions will also prohibit the public performance of Soviet wartime songs. Exceptions will be made for diplomats and war veterans, according to Berliner Morgenpost, citing sources in German law enforcement.

Berlin’s restrictions on Soviet-era symbols during WWII commemorations have been a recurring policy in recent years, especially since the escalation of the Russia–Ukraine war.

Starting in 2022, Berlin police introduced broad restrictions on Soviet flags, St. George ribbons and other related symbols at major Soviet memorial sites during May 8–9 commemorations, citing concerns that they could be interpreted as expressions of support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

These measures were maintained in 2023, when similar bans were enforced again. Following a series of legal challenges, higher administrative courts ultimately upheld the restrictions around key memorials, including Tiergarten and Treptower Park, during Victory Day events.

The policy continued in 2024, when authorities extended the scope of the prohibitions to include not only flags but also military insignia and public performances of wartime songs in and around Soviet memorials, while still allowing access for diplomats and World War II veterans.

In 2025, the same approach was maintained and further reinforced through court rulings that confirmed Berlin police could legally restrict Soviet-era symbols during May 8–9 commemorations at major memorial sites.

By Jeyhun Aghazada