Lawmakers from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are preparing to visit Russia in mid-November. The delegation, consisting of members of the Bundestag, the European Parliament, and the Saxony state parliament, plans to attend an international conference in Sochi and meet with United Russia chairman Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.
According to AfD deputy parliamentary leader Stefan Keuter, the trip is intended to promote dialogue and protect Germany’s strategic interests. “We consistently stand up for German interests,” Keuter said. “Maintaining good relations with Russia is in Germany’s fundamental national interest.”
Party officials emphasised that the trip complements Germany’s existing transatlantic contacts by keeping communication channels open with Moscow. “Constructive dialogue with all international partners is essential for peaceful cooperation,” an AfD spokesperson said.
The delegation will take part in the “International Symposium in the BRICS–Europe Format,” scheduled for November 13–17 in Sochi. Bundestag members Steffen Kotré and Rainer Rothfuß are expected to attend, with Rothfuß delivering a speech during the event.
The planned visit has drawn criticism from other parties in Berlin, who accuse the AfD of being overly sympathetic toward Russia. Lawmakers from the CDU and SPD have expressed concern that the party’s ties to Moscow could undermine Germany’s security interests.
The AfD dismissed the accusations as “politically motivated” and reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and open communication. “Engaging with Russia does not mean supporting its policies—it means keeping channels open at a time when dialogue is more important than ever,” a party representative said.
