AfD politicians travel to Russia

Meeting with Medvedev

According to information from t-online, at least part of the delegation is also planning a meeting with Medvedev, who is currently the deputy head of the Russian Security Council and often plays the role of an agitator in Moscow's communications. Rothfuß told the portal that he would take part in a discussion round with Medvedev on the evening before the conference. The meeting with him last year was already a "worthwhile appointment" and provided a "differentiated and intensive view".

Kotré told dpa: "We are looking after German interests that the German government is no longer pursuing: low-cost energy supplies, peace diplomacy, contacts with representatives of the Brics states. I don't have the exact schedule yet." Kotré had also previously appeared on the talk show of Russian TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov.

The abbreviation Brics stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - but the group of states now also includes other countries.

Contacts between the AfD and Russia repeatedly make the headlines and attract criticism, also against the backdrop of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It was only on Wednesday that there was a debate in the Bundestag about the AfD's relationship with Russia. Speakers from the coalition and the Greens accused the party of acting as a Kremlin stooge.