Putin's bikers have set up a propaganda network in EU countries
The Russian motorcycle club “Night Wolves,” which is linked to Putin, continues to operate in Europe despite sanctions imposed by the EU and Switzerland. After the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, the organization opened new chapters in a number of countries.
According to the SBU, after 2022, new branches of the motorcycle club appeared in France, Slovakia, China, and the Philippines. Currently, there are at least 13 branches that openly support Russian aggression and spread Kremlin narratives.
In May, club representatives organized a series of events as part of the “Road to Victory” motorcycle rally in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Switzerland. Soviet symbols, St. George’s ribbons, and Russian flags were used during the events. Representatives of Russian diplomatic missions participated in some of the events.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the organization’s Swiss branch is particularly active. Its leader, Rolf Scheffler, has repeatedly and publicly supported Putin and the war against Ukraine. The SBU notes that he has received Russian citizenship and a number of awards from Russian state agencies.
Club members also use social media to congratulate fighters from pro-Russian groups, mark the anniversaries of the occupation of Crimea, and refer to Russian soldiers fighting against Ukraine as “defenders of peace.”
The leader of the “Night Wolves” is Alexander Zaldastanov, nicknamed “The Surgeon,” who publicly calls Putin his friend and regularly participates in propaganda events.
The SBU noted that following the occupation of Crimea in 2014, the U.S. and Canada concluded that the motorcycle club was involved in supporting Russian operations on Ukrainian territory. According to U.S. authorities, members of the organization participated in the seizure of Crimea and the recruitment of militants for the war in Donbas.
In addition, in 2022, representatives of the club created their own volunteer unit within the “Pyatnashka” brigade, which is participating in combat operations against Ukraine.
The Foreign Intelligence Service emphasized that through a network of clubs, civic organizations, and cultural events, the Kremlin continues to form centers of support for its policies even in countries that officially condemn Russian aggression.
Source: SSU.
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