Russia‘s war against Ukraine marked this Saturday the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Wall of Berlinan infrastructure that divided the city for almost three decades and that symbolized the division and tensions of the Cold War.
The authorities of Berlin, accompanied by the President of the Republic, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, took part on a cold and autumnal morning with some 300 Berliners in the commemorative events of the fall of that border of the extinct German Democratic Republic (GDR) without forget the current defense of the Ukrainians against Russia.
“The values of the 1989 revolution are those defended on the Ukrainian battlefield,” said Alexander Klausmeier, director of the Berlin Wall Foundation in the memorial space dedicated to that Berlin barrier built in 1961, next to a tower of surveillance preserved to avoid oblivion.
“Putin’s illegal war of aggression kills, causes pain and threatens our values of freedom,” added Klausmeier, before the mayor-governor of the German capital, Kai Wegner, showed his solidarity with kyiv in his speech.
“We have to be on the side of the people who are currently fighting for their freedom and for their survival in Ukraine,” said Wegner under the gaze of Steinmeier, Klausmeier and a large international delegation composed, among others, of opponents of dictatorial regimes such as Cuba, Iran, Belarus, Georgia or China.
“Polish and East German opponents worked together to achieve the same objectives: free elections, freedom, human rights,” Klausmeier recalled, before, in the Chapel of Reconciliation, located in what was the land of Nobody from the wall fortifications, Bogdan Borusewicz, co-founder of Solidarnosc, will speak.
From there, Steinmeier, the rest of the authorities and representatives marched to one of the points of the Berlin Wall Memorial, to place candles, not far away where before entering the chapel they introduced flowers in one of the sections of the physical barrier that separated the city.
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The Berlin Wall, built in the summer of 1961, was conceived by the GDR regime as the most emblematic of the “anti-fascist protection” barriers, according to the terms of the communist regime.
In reality, it was built largely to avoid the demographic drain that the regime was facing, since, despite the support of the Soviet Union, it saw how up to 2.5 million of its citizens fled the country for West Germany between 1949 and 1961. , a loss of human capital that called into question the economic viability of the now defunct German dictatorship.
In total, the infrastructure that divided Berlin amounted to 155 kilometers, of which today only remain standing in some parts of the city, such as the one known as the “East side Gallery” – famous for its numerous and iconic graffiti -, in near the historical museum ‘Topographie des Terrors’ and at the Berlin Wall Memorial, where the German president and the rest of the authorities were summoned this Saturday.
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**Interview Segment on the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall**
**Host**: Welcome to our program. Today, we are commemorating a significant milestone in history – the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Joining us is Alexander Klausmeier, director of the Berlin Wall Foundation. Thank you for being here, Alexander.
**Klausmeier**: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss such an important event.
**Host**: This anniversary coincides with ongoing events in Ukraine, highlighting the struggle for freedom in various parts of the world. How do you think the fall of the Berlin Wall is connected to the current situation in Ukraine?
**Klausmeier**: The fall of the Berlin Wall was a pivotal moment that symbolized the victory of democracy and freedom over authoritarianism. Today, as we commemorate that event, we see similar struggles in Ukraine, where people are fighting for their right to self-determination and freedom. The values that were championed during the 1989 revolution resonate deeply with what Ukrainians are defending on the battlefield today.
**Host**: That’s a powerful connection. At yesterday’s commemoration, you mentioned that “Putin’s illegal war of aggression” threatens our values of freedom. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Klausmeier**: Certainly. The actions of the Russian government in Ukraine are reminiscent of the authoritarian practices we saw during the Cold War. They infringe upon the basic human rights and freedoms that were fought for so fiercely in East Germany and across Eastern Europe. We need to stand in solidarity with those who are currently experiencing these challenges, just as we stood with those fighting for freedom in our past.
**Host**: The event also saw leaders from various oppressed nations attending. What message does that send to the world?
**Klausmeier**: The presence of leaders from countries like Cuba, Iran, and Belarus reflects a united front against tyranny. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of freedom is a global struggle. We must continue to support each other in these efforts, as history has shown us that solidarity can lead to significant change.
**Host**: as we look forward, what do you believe is essential for preserving the values of freedom and democracy that we celebrate today?
**Klausmeier**: We must prioritize education and awareness about our history and the consequences of authoritarianism. Encouraging dialogue, standing in solidarity with those fighting for their rights, and ensuring that we resist complacency in the face of injustice are crucial steps we must take to safeguard our freedoms for future generations.
**Host**: Thank you, Alexander, for sharing your insights on this vital topic. It’s important we remember our history while standing together for freedom around the world.
**Klausmeier**: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going.
**Host**: You’ve been listening to our special segment on the fall of the Berlin Wall and its relevance today. Stay tuned for more news and analysis on global events.
