Germany celebrates liberation from National Socialism by the Red Army on May 8 with ceremonies in Berlin. The ceremony was celebrated in silence due to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. While German politicians did not participate in the celebrations held in the capital, the Berlin Senate decided that the Day of Liberation should be held only as a silent commemoration due to the war in Ukraine. There were no official ceremonies this year at the monuments in Treptower Park and on 17 June Street. Some citizens who came to the Soviet War Memorial, which was erected in memory of 80,000 Red Army soldiers who died in the war, laid flowers in front of the monument.
In addition to the commemoration events, Russia’s attempt to invade Ukraine was also protested. One of the protests attended by Ukrainians was held near the Historic Brandenburg Gate. Ukrainians living in Berlin, who came to Germany as refugees, protested Russia. About 200 people condemned the war with Ukrainian flags and banners.