NACHTWÖLFE - PUTINS RECHTE ROCKER: Die ultranationalistische Rockerbande für Russland | WELT DOKU

NIGHT WOLVES - PUTIN'S RIGHT-WING BIKERS: The Ultranationalist Biker Gang for Russia | DOCUMENTARY from 2015. WELT correspondent Christoph Wanner spent six months with the biker gang several years ago and delivers never-before-seen insider views of the ruthless motorcycle gang in the service of the Kremlin. The Night Wolves, an ultranationalist biker group, are the largest and most influential motorcycle gang in Russia. Their leader, Alexander Zaldistanov, known as "The Surgeon," is a former dentist who established himself as the absolute ruler of the Night Wolves since its founding in 1989. Zaldistanov, who once sought close ties with Western motorcycle gangs like the Hells Angels, has become a vehement Kremlin supporter and Putin's jingoistic patriot. The Night Wolves stage their biker shows and tours as patriotic acts of war, with Saldastanov portraying himself as a soldier for Russia. They openly support pro-Russian separatists in the Ukraine war and propagate an anti-Western ideology. The bikers' role in the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, as well as their involvement in armed conflicts in the breakaway Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, is particularly controversial. The bikers owe their large clubhouse, state support, and connections across all social classes to the Night Wolves leader's close ties to the Kremlin and his good relations with Russian President Putin. Women are not welcome in the biker gang, and new members must undergo lengthy initiation rituals. The biker group regularly puts on lavish shows that not only glorify Russian history but also criticize American policies. These shows serve as propaganda and are intended to strengthen the patriotic sentiments of the audience. The Night Wolves are not only active on their motorcycles, but also politically. Their close ties to the Orthodox Church and their involvement in social projects strengthen their position in Russian society. Despite their often controversial actions, they enjoy extensive immunity and state support. The Night Wolves are not only active on their motorcycles, but also politically. Their close ties to the Orthodox Church and their involvement in social projects strengthen their position in Russian society. Despite their often controversial actions, they enjoy extensive immunity and state support. #documentary #Russia #NightWolves #Putin 🔵 WELT DOKU YouTube Channel    / weltdoku   🔵 The WELT News Livestream    / @weltvideotv   🔵 WELT Podcasts YouTube Channel    / weltpodcast   🔵 WELT News Channel YouTube Channel    / weltvideotv   🔵 WELT Network Reporter YouTube Channel    / dienetzreporter   🔵 The Top News on WELT.de http://bit.ly/2rQQD9Q 🔵 The Media Library on WELT.de http://bit.ly/2Iydxv8 🔵 WELT News Channel on Instagram https://bit.ly/IGWELTTV 🔵 WELT on Instagram http://bit.ly/2X1M7Hk