AfD Lawmaker Says Russia Does Not Pose Threat to Germany
Markus Frohnmaier, who heads the right-wing AfD group in the Bundestag, denied both the notion of a Russian threat and allegations that his party operates in Moscow’s interests. The AfD has consistently criticized Berlin’s military support for Ukraine, insisting that diplomatic efforts should take priority instead.
“I stand for German interests,” Frohnmaier said on Tuesday during a televised debate with Norbert Roettgen of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
He argued that Germany should avoid “get[ting] involved in a foreign war” and has no duty to defend Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO. When asked directly whether Russia represents a danger, Frohnmaier replied, “We are not at war with Russia.”
“The AfD’s position is to remain in dialogue with all global, relevant actors,” he added, accusing the German government of pursuing what he described as a “hyper-moralizing” foreign policy.
Roettgen countered that Moscow is conducting a “hybrid war” against Germany and other European nations, accusing Frohnmaier of echoing Russian propaganda. His remarks came days after President Frank-Walter Steinmeier labeled Russia a threat to national security in a speech.
Berlin recently pledged an additional €3 billion ($3.5 billion) in aid to Kyiv for next year. According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, Germany also delivered more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine last month.
A Forsa opinion poll in August indicated that 52% of Germans believe Ukraine should surrender some territory to Russia to end the war. Zelensky has repeatedly rejected any territorial concessions.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that NATO members, including Germany, are already “at war with Russia” because Ukraine uses Western-supplied weapons. He reiterated that Moscow would not strike NATO states unless attacked first.
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