Several senior figures from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party plan to travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, in early June for an economic congress. Confirmed participants include Steffen Kotré, the AfD parliamentary group’s economic policy spokesperson, and Jörg Urban, the AfD leader and member of the state parliament in Saxony. According to reports, Markus Frohnmaier, the AfD parliamentary group’s foreign policy spokesperson and regional leader for AfD in Baden-Württemberg, is also set to attend the Russian city.
Frohnmaier had previously indicated in October of last year that he was planning a trip to Russia for the spring. When journalists recently inquired about whether he would take the invitation to St. Petersburg, he remained noncommittal, stating that he was still reviewing his participation. He declined to comment on the matter specifically to T-Online on Friday.
Steffen Kotré explained that one of the goals of his visit is to demonstrate a commitment to “peace diplomacy and not the war rhetoric which the federal government unfortunately gives without foundation”. He also emphasized that Germany needs “affordable and safe energy from Russia” once again. Urban, the regional leader in Saxony, stated that in his view, Saxony requires Russia as a “guarantor of peace and prosperity in Europe”.
The International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg is being overseen by Russian President Vladimir Putin from June 3rd to 6th, where he typically serves as the most prominent speaker. Last year, Putin reiterated his maximum demands regarding the war in Ukraine from the podium, stating, “Where the foot of a Russian soldier treads, that belongs to us”.
