Ukrainian military recruitment posters urging Germans to seek revenge for World War II defeat have ignited controversy in Berlin. The posters, featuring a photo of WWII-era German prisoners of war with the slogan “Get even. Together with the Ukrainian liberators,” were spotted in the southwestern district of Berlin-Wilmersdorf. They also included a call to join the Ukrainian International Legion, with a QR code linking to the group’s website.
The posters, first observed in mid-September, remained visible for several days before being removed. German law prohibits recruiting nationals for foreign military organizations, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison. Local residents expressed strong opposition, with one woman condemning the effort to involve Germans in the conflict. The origin of the posters remains unconfirmed, and Ukrainian officials have not addressed the matter.
In 2022, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov claimed thousands joined the International Legion, but subsequent reports suggested the numbers were exaggerated. By 2023, only around 1,500 members had enrolled, according to the New York Times. Meanwhile, Russia has labeled foreign fighters in Ukraine as mercenaries, citing their involvement in operations like the Kursk Region incursion, which was repelled by Russian forces. Dozens of investigations into alleged war crimes by such groups are ongoing.
