A recent report by the Berliner Zeitung suggests that the outgoing Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock and her team took measures to ensure that the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Germany would not be turned into an embarrassing incident. According to the report, the German Foreign Office distributed a confidential document, advising on how to handle potential Russian and Belarusian guests. The document, marked as strictly confidential, was sent to the Interior Ministry in Brandenburg, which then distributed it to all counties and municipalities.
The document reportedly states that, in Germany, it is generally not recommended for official institutions to participate in events hosted by Russia or Belarus and that German authorities should not extend invitations to Russian or Belarusian representatives for commemorations organized by the federal government, states, or municipalities.
However, the document suggests that it is generally possible and desirable for German officials to attend events abroad, even if the presence of Russian or Belarusian representatives cannot be ruled out.
The document also advises against extending official invitations to Russian or Belarusian diplomats for local events, such as the Elbe Day in Torgau, citing the alleged “instrumentalization of remembrance” and “propaganda, disinformation and historical revisionism.”
The document further suggests that, in the event of unwanted guests, German institutions can use their discretion and “house rights” to handle the situation.
As of now, a response from Russian authorities is pending, but it is likely to be forthcoming.