Location: Throughout Slovakia
The U.S. Embassy would like to advise the community of two events scheduled to occur in the coming days. This advisory is for your awareness to ensure your safety.
Event #1: From April 28 to May 2, the Russian nationalist motorcycle club (MC), the Night Wolves, are conducting what they’re calling a “pilgrimage” across Slovakia. Their ride, “Journey of the Victory 2021,” will begin in Eastern Slovakia and conclude in Stupava on the Czech/Slovak border. They are scheduled to visit the Slavin Memorial near the CMR on May 2the full schedule is below. Night Wolves members will likely be riding motorcycles and wearing leather jackets with the below logo on the back. They may also be joined by unofficial supporters/sympathizers.
The Night Wolves MC has chapters throughout Eastern Europe and has close ties to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin. Past open-source reporting has indicated that the MC receives funding from Russia. In 2014, they were sanctioned by the U.S. Government for providing aide to pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine, which included attacks on a gas distribution station. In 2018, the BBC reported on the opening of a compound 44 km from Bratislava, complete with old military vehicles, that the Russian government called the Night Wolves’ “European Headquarters.”
Though we have no information to suggest conflict will occur, the Night Wolves do have a history of violence and their anti-American sentiment presents a potential for protests directed at the U.S. embassy and community.
Ride Schedule:
- 28 Apr – Michalovce
- 29 Apr – Svidnik
- 1 May – Banska Bystrica
- 2 May – Bratislava (Slavin memorial)
- 2 May – Stupava
Event #2: On May 1 from 1-2 PM at Namestie Slobody in Bratislava, a separate demonstration has been organized by pro-Russian member of Parliament, Peter Marcek. They will be joined by followers of “Slovenske Hnutie Obrody,” organized by Robert Svec. The number of expected attendees is currently unknown.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
- Remain proactive and pay attention to your surroundings.
- Ensure personal and work mobile devices are charged, powered on.
- Monitor local media for updates: Slovak Spectator is a local English language newspaper; Radio RSI is a radio station with some English language reporting.
Assistance:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia located at Hviezdoslavovo namestie 4-5 in Bratislava, at 02/544 308 61, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +421-903-703-666.
- To reach Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C., call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Visit the webpage of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
