Full Breakdown
Kremlin Welcomes AfD’s Push for Dialogue with Russia
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development
On September 22, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow welcomed the fact that Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is seeking dialogue with Russia. Peskov contrasted the AfD’s stance with what he described as the “confrontational” approach of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Kremlin noted that the AfD’s growing popularity makes its interest in relations with Russia “appealing” to Moscow.
Political Context in Germany
The AfD, an anti-immigration party, secured first place in two recent state elections: in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6 and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (held on a Sunday). Despite these victories, the party remains in opposition at the federal level and is excluded from state governments by a “firewall” policy adopted by other parties, which refuse cooperation with the AfD. The party’s platform includes restarting Russian gas supplies, a priority that it argues is being neglected by Merz’s coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats. German intelligence services have linked the AfD to a series of hybrid attacks, including an attempted drone strike on Leipzig airport.
Prospective Energy Talks
Reuters reported that Russia’s top economic envoy and AfD leadership have begun preparations for a meeting next year to discuss the possible resumption of gas deliveries to Germany. Peskov said he had no concrete information about any current contact attempts by the AfD, but acknowledged the “steady upward trend” of the party’s popularity as a factor that could influence Moscow’s calculations.
Official Reactions
- Kremlin: Peskov framed the AfD’s outreach as a political force that “cannot fail to appeal” to Russia.
- German Government: Chancellor Merz has publicly criticized Russia, a stance the Kremlin labeled confrontational.
- Other German Parties: They continue to block any AfD participation in state coalitions, citing security concerns tied to the party’s alleged involvement in hybrid attacks.
Outlook
The Kremlin’s positive reception of the AfD’s overtures adds pressure on Merz’s government as it navigates energy security and diplomatic relations with Russia. While a meeting is being prepared for the following year, no formal contact has been confirmed, and the AfD’s lack of influence over federal policy means any dialogue is unlikely to alter Germany’s official stance toward Moscow in the short term.