Russian Ambassador Sergey Netschajew Attends 80th Anniversary of Battle of Seelow Heights Amid Controversy

On April 16, 2025, a commemoration event in Seelow marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Seelow Heights, attended by Russian Ambassador to Germany, Sergey Netschajew. The event, which aimed to honor the victims of the battle, has sparked controversy as the German government criticized Russia for allegedly attempting to 'instrumentalize' World War II events to justify its actions in Ukraine. Despite recommendations from the Foreign Office to exclude Netschajew from the ceremony, he received a warm reception from attendees, including members of various political groups, from the Left to the AfD. Commentators have expressed concern that the presence of the Russian ambassador undermines the integrity of the commemoration, with some asserting that Moscow is misusing historical narratives to further its geopolitical agenda. The event coincided with ongoing political debates in Germany regarding an intake program for Afghan refugees.