AfD in St. Petersburg: How the Kremlin Cultivates Political Influence Inside Germany

AfD in St. Petersburg: How the Kremlin Cultivates Political Influence Inside Germany

Four members of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) have confirmed their participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), scheduled to take place from June 3–6, 2026. The delegation will include AfD Bundestag economic policy spokesman Steffen Kotré, deputy parliamentary group leader Markus Frohnmaier, head of the party’s Saxony branch Jörg Urban, and AfD Member of the European Parliament Petr Bystron. Their visit follows an official invitation from Russian presidential adviser Anton Kobyakov.

The German politicians have justified their trip by citing the need to restore economic relations with Russia and facilitate the return of German companies to the Russian market. Kotré and Urban have specifically advocated the resumption of what they describe as “cheap and reliable Russian energy supplies,” while criticizing the German government’s “militaristic rhetoric.” Bystron has stated that he intends to personally deliver European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s call for Russia to end the war to Vladimir Putin, while simultaneously advocating the normalization of business ties with Moscow. 

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is an annual Russian event traditionally used by the Kremlin to showcase international influence and attract foreign investment. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, however, most Western governments and major corporations have boycotted the forum. In response, organizers have increasingly focused on attracting delegations from Asia, Africa, and politically sympathetic European actors. Organizers expect representatives from more than 130 countries to attend this year’s event. 

Petr Bystron has previously been implicated in several high-profile controversies, including allegations that he received support from the pro-Russian media platform Voice of Europe in exchange for promoting Kremlin interests. Markus Frohnmaier has repeatedly visited occupied Crimea and Russian-controlled territories in eastern Ukraine. Steffen Kotré has consistently advocated renewed energy cooperation with Russia, while Jörg Urban opposes German military assistance to Ukraine and attended the “BRICS–Europe” symposium in Sochi in November 2025. 

https://lansinginstitute.org/2026/06/01/afd-in-st-petersburg-how-the-kr…