Berlin is bracing for significant traffic disruptions and heightened security as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive for a state visit on Monday, December 15. The visit, confirmed by security sources, will entail extensive measures, including road closures and altered public transportation schedules.
Zelenskyy’s Visit: A High-Security Event
President Zelenskyy’s visit is classified under security level 0, indicating a particularly high threat level for assassination attempts and attacks. This mandates comprehensive security protocols across the German capital. Measures include sealed manhole covers, explosive detection dogs, airspace surveillance, drone protection, road barriers, water police on the Spree River, and snipers on rooftops. These precautions will necessitate a substantial logistical and security effort from the Berlin police and will be noticeable to Berlin residents.
According to the Traffic Information Centre (VIZ), “During the arrival and departure of the state guests, further extensive closures are expected. For security reasons, no detailed information on the timings and scope of the closures is available.”
Impact on Public Transportation
The state visit will heavily affect local public transport. S-Bahn and U-Bahn services along the route from BER Airport will operate at reduced speeds, and frequencies will be thinned out. The government district will experience the most significant road closures. A potential overnight stay for President Zelenskyy in the German capital is also under discussion.
Berlin Police Under Strain
Benjamin Jendro, spokesperson for the Berlin Police Union, commented on the situation: “Global politics is made in the capital. Therefore, it does not surprise us that Mr. Zelenskyy is again invited to Berlin and not to the countryside or the North Frisian Islands.” He added that the Berlin police are accustomed to managing high-threat state visits with little preparation time.
Jendro emphasized the commitment of the capital’s police force: “The capital police will ensure that the necessary discussions proceed smoothly and that the Ukrainian President and all other guests can travel safely.” He noted the significant personal sacrifice required from officers: “Since this cannot be achieved with three patrol cars, numerous people will have to be called into service, and their plans, social, and family lives will be completely disrupted.” The GdP hopes that federal and state authorities will provide support to share this nationwide responsibility.
Details regarding the specific program of the visit, planned routes, or Zelenskyy’s potential accommodation have not yet been released by the federal government or the police, who remain tight-lipped about deployment numbers and operational plans.
The extensive security measures underscore the ongoing geopolitical significance of Ukraine and its president, highlighting Berlin’s role as a key diplomatic hub.
