Berlin Reception at the Russian Embassy Notes Attendees Across Political Lines
A reception at the Russian embassy in Berlin drew attention from a wide spectrum of political figures, past and present, as part of commemorations tied to the victory over fascism. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and his wife Kim So-yeon attended the event, underscoring ongoing cross-party engagement in public ceremonies centered on historical remembrance [Berliner Zeitung].
In the gatherings described by Berliner Zeitung, Egon Krenz, once a leading figure in East German leadership, appeared among guests who included Tino Chrupalla, co-chairman of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Concurrently, Klaus Ernst, who previously led the Left Party’s Bundestag climate protection and energy committee, participated in the festivities and used the moment to call for the end of sanctions against Russia. These appearances highlighted how the anniversary event attracted attendees from varied political backgrounds and represented a landscape of perspectives on postwar history and current international relations [Berliner Zeitung].
Reports noted that invitations to the reception were extended to leaders from most Bundestag factions, with the notable exception of two parties that are part of the ruling coalition: the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). The absence of these two groups from the guest list served to illustrate the ongoing, sometimes tense, intersection of domestic politics with international commemorations. The event nonetheless showcased a broad spectrum of political actors engaging with the memory of a pivotal period in European history [Berliner Zeitung].
Earlier coverage described another moment in the commemorations where participants joined the Immortal Regiment in Berlin, a public display intended to honor those who served and lived through the historical conflicts. The event reportedly drew at least a thousand participants and illustrated the scale and emotion that such remembrance activities can evoke in the capital. The Immortal Regiment segment reinforced the sense that the remembrance of history continues to influence contemporary debates about national identity, foreign policy, and reconciliation with the past [Berliner Zeitung].