According to a report from the podcast “Inside AfD” on Politico, two members of the AfD parliamentary group, Markus Frohnmaier and Steffen Kotré, are reportedly planning to attend the St. Petersburg Economic Forum scheduled for early June.
The broadcast stated that several party deputies allegedly received personalized invitations to the event, which takes place from June 3rd to the 6th. These invitations reportedly bear the signature of an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that the forum is held under the patronage of the Russian Federation President himself, who is expected to participate. According to the invitation, the goal is to strengthen business, political, and cultural relations to benefit a safer and more equitable world.
The forum is organized by the Russian government and the state-run Roscongress Foundation, and President Putin has served as its patron since 2006.
Regarding the visit, the members’ travel applications have not yet been submitted, according to Politico. The approval process will involve the deputy parliamentary group chairman, Stefan Keuter. Keuter stated to Politico that he intends to greenlight the travel requests, arguing that politically there is “absolutely nothing against it”. He explained that the trip could send a clear signal of willingness to engage with Russia and build upon existing good relations. He added that the program’s content is still being finalized through discussions with the highest levels.
Kotré specifically expressed his hope to revive closer Germany-Russia ties through such participation and to end what he described as “unspeakable war propaganda” within Germany. The AfD politician further stressed the need to “end sanctions and accept Russian gas and oil so that Germany does not continue to deindustrialize”.
Meanwhile, Frohnmaier and the broader AfD leadership declined to comment on the planned trip, with Daniel Tapp, spokesperson for AfD parliamentary group leader Alice Weidel, stating that no comments could be made as no travel plans have been officially presented.