Police say a small group of nationalist Russian bikers has entered Germany, part of a ride from Moscow that is due to end in Berlin on May 9.
Bavarian police said the group entered Germany from Austria in the afternoon on May 3, but couldn't say exactly how many people it included.
The pro-Kremlin Night Wolves are commemorating the Soviet advance during the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany 70 years ago in World War II.
Some EU officials expressed criticism of their plans and Poland denied them entry, reflecting strains over Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict.
The German government canceled the visas of a handful of people believed to belong to the group's leadership.
In neighboring Austria on May 2, two group members laid a wreath at a monument to Soviet soldiers who liberated Vienna.
A police spokesman was quoted by the dpa news agency as saying the bikers crossed into Germany at the town of Bad Reichenhall late on May 3.
He did not give an exact number for the group, but said it numbered "roughly 10 people."
A member of the biker gang, Aleksandr Shapovalov, told a Russian radio station that the group planned to visit the former Nazi concentration camp of Dachau, outside Munich, on May 4.
The Night Wolves support Putin, who has ridden with them, and backed Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
Because of those ties to Putin, the bikers have been blocked from crossing several times, complicating their journey.
However, once they reached Europe's border-free Schengen area, authorities have had a harder time controlling their movements.
In Vienna on May 2, Russian Ambassador Sergei Nechayev was among those on hand for the tribute there.
"The bikers only came to commemorate and honor the fallen soldiers who died for the liberation of Austria," he said.
Police estimated that about 500 spectators turned up for the event in the Austrian capital.
Austria's APA news agency reported that the group consisted of only two Russian nationals and around 20 sympathizers.
SEE ALSO: Putin's favorite bikers blocked from entering Poland
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: This Bike Lock Will Discourage Even The Most Experienced Thieves