Berlin police officer in gear (symbol image) Photo: dpa picture radio
From BZ/dpa
The signs of a visit to Germany by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are increasing.
The police took significantly increased security precautions for parts of central Berlin on Sunday. With a so-called general decree, extensive security measures and traffic closures were announced for the period from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The areas around the government district in Mitte are particularly affected. It will also no longer be possible to drive on the Spree, including at the level of the Federal Chancellery,” said a police statement on Friday.
Residents in the two affected areas around the Chancellery and the Office of the Federal President should have an ID card with them for legitimacy.
So far there has been no official confirmation that Zelenskyj is actually coming to Germany for the first time since the Russian attack on Ukraine. Since the Berlin police reported details of the plans for the visit a week ago, there has been heated speculation.
On Sunday afternoon, Selenskyj and the Ukrainian people will be honored in Aachen with the Charlemagne Prize for services to European unity. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will hold the laudatory speech – even if Selenskyj is not there himself.