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Vladimir Putin's Friends Night Wolves MC Want to Ride to Berlin in Commemoration of WWII Victory

The fact that Russia's President Vladimir Putin likes riding a trike and hangs out with members of the Russian MC Night Wolves is not exactly newsworthy. However, the Night Wolves' recent plans involving the rest of Europe, are. Long story short, the Night Wolves announced they intend to organize a group ride to... Berlin.
Putin riding with the Night Wolves 1 photo
Photo: 02varvara.wordpress.com
The ride is supposed to commemorate the Red Army's victory over nazi Germany by following the footsteps Stalin's soldiers in WWII. The ride would include Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and other countries.

6,000 km laden with controversy

It would take around two weeks for the Night Wolves to complete this trip... if things were to go as planned. However, this 6,000 km (3700 miles) voyage is full of controversy and politics, history, other bike gangs and more are blending into a mix which may get a very bitter taste in the end.

Of course, the main issue is that the riders are regarded as close friends of Vladimir Putin's and Western and Central Europe is not at all fond of Russia, or its recent actions in Crimea and Ukraine. Many of the states the Night Wolves plan to travel to have strong and utterly unpleasant memories involving other URSS "touristic" actions, especially Poland and the former Czechoslovakia.

In fact, both Poland and the Czech Republic already said they will make their best to prevent this ride from reaching their territory. And the fact that Stalin is regarded as one of the idols of the ultranationalist MC is not making things any easier for the riders.

Germany apparently said the same thing, adding that it's up to the customs workers to decide who gets in the country, even if visas and all the paperwork is in order. Poland has not issued such visas at the moment of writing, according to the Guardian.

The public in European countries rallies against Putin's bikers

Night Wolves leader Alexander Zaldostanov is subject to US and Canadian sanctions for his open support of Russia's actions in Crimea and Ukraine. The Night Wolves have not proclaimed their 1%er status, but are regarded as being very close to it, and are banned from entering certain EU countries such as Finland.

Putin himself has been on a blacklist including persona non grata Night Wolves for being regarded as an affiliate to them.

Finally, it will be interesting to say what the real 1%er MCs in Europe will have to say about such a trip of the Night Wolves in their turf. This kind of provocative actions poorly disguised under fake pretenses have caused nasty clashes in other parts of the world, and we just know that this occasion is perfect for action, if the Western Europe MCs feel like making a move.
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