European branch of Putin’s "Night Wolves" passing through Czechia

The European branch of the "Night Wolves", a Russian motorcycle club known for its staunch nationalism and close ties to Vladimir Putin, have arrived on Czech territory after passing through Slovakia on Sunday. The ride, which is heading for Berlin, is under close police surveillance. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said on X that the police are prepared to take action if participants break the law, for instance by endorsing the Russian aggression in Ukraine. In the post, he also noted that Russian members of the Night Wolves were placed on the European sanctions list in 2022 and are not allowed to enter the European space.

The riders claim they are paying homage to Red Army soldiers who died liberating Czechoslovakia, but critics see the ride as a political provocation and Russian propaganda.