A group of MEPs has appealed to the mayor of Strasbourg, a city that hosts sessions of the European Parliament every month, urging him to prohibit the march scheduled for May 9, 2025. They expressed concerns that this event could be used in Russian propaganda and the symbolism associated with Soviet and Russian military insignia.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Call for a ban and warnings about symbolism
The authors of the appeal note that under the pretext of commemorating the anniversary of the end of World War II, a demonstration of Soviet and Russian symbols is planned.
“In the context of Russia’s ongoing aggressive war against Ukraine, these symbols take on a new and alarming meaning. We view this march as a propaganda campaign coordinated by the Russian authorities, which is an affront to the memory of Ukrainians who have died in this war”
– states the appeal.
Politicians emphasized that Strasbourg, which is a symbol of peace and unity in Europe, should not become a platform for the propaganda of the Russian Federation or for marches that undermine the ideals and values of Europe. They also stressed that the demonstration of Soviet symbols in this context is not a form of freedom of expression, but a form of historical distortion and an attempt to legitimize violence.
International reaction and intelligence warnings
MEPs are calling on the authorities in Strasbourg to do everything possible to prevent the public display of Soviet symbols during the event and to avoid inciting hatred. Representatives from political groups such as “Renew Europe,” the European People’s Party, European Conservatives and Reformists, and the “Greens” from various countries in Europe have joined in signing the appeal.
The event, in light of warnings from Ukrainian intelligence, relates to a series of Russian information and propaganda actions planned for May 9 in Europe and America, including a roundtable in Brussels and “Immortal Regiment” events in several cities.