Violent scuffles erupted in Spain, Poland, Germany and other European nations on May 9 as Ukrainian nationals and pro-Kiev activists tried to disrupt Victory Day commemorations across the continent.

In Barcelona, participants of the “Immortal Regiment” march faced a group of protesters who carried an anti-fascist banner but began chanting anti-Russian slogans. The situation escalated into a brief physical altercation before police intervened.

Warsaw witnessed pro-Kiev activists attempting to derail a Soviet memorial ceremony by setting up nationalist banners and playing obscene songs. Footage captured a woman being pushed after she tried to snatch the Russian flag from an activist, though major confrontations were prevented by a large police presence.

Berlin’s Treptower Park saw minor scuffles as Ukrainian-flag protesters arrived at a Soviet memorial, resulting in at least two arrests and additional detentions for violating bans on Russian and Soviet symbols.

Similar disruptions occurred in Geneva, Switzerland, where members of the Ukrainian community shouted nationalist slogans and sang Ukrainian songs during Victory Day events.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that provocations were “there were, there are and there will be” but Moscow was prepared for them. In a separate interview with RIA Novosti, she claimed that “many are being paid” in Europe to display hatred toward Russia.

Moscow also asserts that 27 million Soviet citizens perished in World War II, accusing the US and EU of distorting historical truth and downplaying the USSR’s pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany.