Today, we revisit a momentous day in Berlin's history—August 31, 1994, when the last brigade of Russian troops stationed in the former East Germany departed, marking the end of an era. Against the backdrop of a cool late summer day, ceremonies filled the city, with Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Russian President Boris Yeltsin presiding over the farewell.
In this episode, we explore the profound significance of this day for Berlin, Germany, and Europe. We recount the largest peacetime redeployment of troops in history—a colossal movement of men and equipment that took nearly four years. This story is not just about the logistics of troop withdrawal but also the complex political landscape that shaped these events, from German reunification to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Topics Covered:
A Day in Berlin: What the city was like on August 31, 1994, and the extraordinary events that unfolded.
"Proshchay, Germaniya": The farewell song sung by the departing Russian soldiers and its emotional impact.
The Largest Peacetime Troop Redeployment: Insights into the scale of the operation, with over half a million people involved.
Treaties and Negotiations: The intricate network of treaties, including the "2+4" agreement, and the financial arrangements that facilitated the withdrawal.
The Controversies: Why the withdrawal process remains a contentious topic, especially the exclusion of the GDR government and the environmental consequences.
Life During Withdrawal: How the troop redeployment affected local communities and the soldiers themselves.
Final Farewell: A breakdown of the ceremonies on August 31, 1994, from the official speeches to Boris Yeltsin's spontaneous performances.
Key Moments:
The Morning of September 1, 1994: A special train departs from Berlin, carrying the last Russian soldiers home.
The "Caucasus Miracle": How economic negotiations played a crucial role in Germany's reunification and the Soviet withdrawal.
Markus Meckel’s Critique: The former GDR Foreign Minister's views on how the withdrawal was handled.
Environmental and Economic Impacts: The hidden costs of the withdrawal and its long-term effects on the region.
Yeltsin’s Final Speech: The Russian President’s poignant words at Treptower Park, calling for peace and reconciliation.
Additional Resources:
Full Audio of Burlakov's Speech: [Link to speech audio]
Footage of Yeltsin Conducting the Berlin Orchestra: [Link to video]
Memorable Quotes:
“Farewell, Germany, farewell! Our dear fatherland awaits us.” — The refrain from "Proshchay, Germaniya."
“Today is the day of final reconciliation.” — Boris Yeltsin, speaking at Treptower Park.
Music Featured:
"Прощай, Германия" (Farewell, Germany) - The song performed by the departing Russian troops.
"Kalinka" - A lively Russian folk song conducted by Boris Yeltsin himself.
CREDITS
* YT Channel: RedSamurai84
* YT Channel: Militär-Wissensbasis
* YT Channel: RBB Media
* YT Channel: AP Archive
* Markus Meckel, Zu wandeln die Zeiten (Changing times - Memories), 2020
* The hope of eternal peace with Russia. The Russian troop withdrawal 1990-1994. Public event, 23 July 2024 at the Museum Berlin Karlshorst (YT video here, DEU)Read and subscribe for free on beyondberlin.substack.com
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