BERLIN - 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 on Sunday afternoon, but couldn't say exactly how many people it included.

The pro-Kremlin Night Wolves are commemorating the Russian and 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 cancelled the visas of a handful of people believed to belong to the group's leadership.

In neighbouring Austria on Saturday, two group members laid a wreath at a monument to Soviet soldiers who liberated Vienna.