The Russian biker club "Night Wolves" has received a grant of 3.1 million rubles ($51,000) from the Kremlin, the Gazeta.ru website reported.
The money is to go towards a project called "Slavic World," which is intended to promote "unity" among Slavic peoples via a series of automotive and motorcycle road tours.
The Night Wolves had previously attempted to make a road tour from Moscow to Berlin in honor of the 70th anniversary of victory in the Second World War in 2015. However, the bikers were stopped at the Polish border, where authorities refused them entry due to their club's outspoken support for Vladimir Putin.
Other groups receiving grants from the Kremlin include the veterans organization "Combat Brotherhood," which received 3 million rubles to hold a patriotic rally in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The "Immortal Regiment," which memorializes veterans of the Second World War, received 9 million rubles ($148,000).
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
