BERLIN, February 28. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy in Germany thanked Berlin residents, who laid down flowers to a damaged tank Saturday, but noted that it was not involved in organization the event.
The damaged tank was previously installed next to the Russian embassy under an initiative of Ukrainian activists as a protest against the special military operation. One day later, protesters against arms shipments to the conflict area laid flowers to the tank.
"In regards to speculations that appear in mass and social media, we would like to clarify that the Russian Embassy in Berlin was not involved in organization or funding of the public initiative that involved laying flowers to the Russian tank, installed next to the mission’s building. All speculations in this regard are false," the Embassy said. "At the same time, we feel gratitude to the non-indifferent people of Germany and compatriots for this honest spiritual impulse."
The rusty T-72 tank that was allegedly damaged during hostilities in Ukraine appeared next to the Russian Embassy building on February 24, on the anniversary of the special military operation.
On February 25, a protest against arms shipments to Kiev and in favor of prompt peace talks involving thousands of people took place in downtown Berlin. Some protesters laid flowers to the tank, while pro-Ukrainian activists sought to throw those flowers away. The police prevented serious clashes.
Later, speculations appeared on social media regarding the source of funding of the protest.