Berlin has banned the display of Russian and Soviet flags and St. George's ribbons on May 9. This decision was made by the Supreme Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg.
Source. This was reported by the BBC.
"In the current context, this can be interpreted as an expression of sympathy for the war," the court said in a statement. – "The obviously targeted intensification of Russian air strikes on Ukraine and its civilian population today contributes to the further aggravation of the conflict and shows that the celebration of the end of the war and the resumption of the war in Ukraine cannot be separated.
Earlier, a court lifted the ban on Russian flags at the request of a pro-Putin activist. However, the Berlin police appealed the decision, and a higher court still banned the flags.
On May 9, Russians (or descendants of Soviet citizens) traditionally gather in Berlin near Soviet monuments related to World War II. This was the case last year, when Russia had already invaded Ukraine.
On the eve of May 9, the Immortal Regiment, a rally of Russian immigrants, had already taken place in Frankfurt am Main. The participants had both Soviet and Russian flags.
Background. As a reminder, President Zelensky signed a new decree stating that Ukraine will celebrate Europe Day on May 9. The president also proposes to establish May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II.