Russia’s pro-Putin biker gang will have to find another way to complete its scheduled trek from Moscow to Berlin since crossing Poland’s border is no longer an option.
The “Night Wolves” will be denied entry into Poland due to the group’s connection with pro-Russian separatists involved in the annexation of Crimea and unrest in Eastern Ukraine. The group plans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two with its trip.
“The Foreign Ministry has passed a diplomatic note to the Russian Embassy in Warsaw … concerning a denial of entry to Poland to an organized group of motorcyclists, which included representatives of the Night Wolves club,” the ministry said in a statement, Reuters reported Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to be close with Alexander “The Surgeon” Zaldostanov, the group’s leader. Mr. Putin even took part in a motorcycle ride with its members in 2011.
The U.S. Treasury Department placed the biker group on a list of sanctions last December.
“These actions target people who are undermining peace and stability in Ukraine and impose additional costs on Russia for its destabilizing action,” said David Cohen, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at The Treasury Department, The Wall Street Journal reported Dec. 19.
SEE ALSO: Vladimir Putin pals, ‘Night Wolves’ biker gang, sanctioned by U.S.
The “Night Wolves” group is said to have a membership of roughly 5,000 people.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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