German AfD Lawmaker denies Russia threat to country

(MENAFN) A senior figure from Germany’s main opposition party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), has dismissed the government’s warnings about Russia, insisting the country does not pose a threat. Markus Frohnmaier, AfD leader in the Bundestag, also rejected accusations that his party acts on Moscow’s behalf, highlighting the group’s longstanding criticism of military support to Ukraine and preference for diplomacy.

“I stand for German interests,” Frohnmaier said on Tuesday during a televised debate with Norbert Roettgen of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

He further argued that Germany should not “get involved in a foreign war” and has no duty to defend Ukraine, noting that the country “is not a NATO member.” Asked about Russia’s threat, Frohnmaier stated, “We are not at war with Russia.” He added, “The AfD’s position is to remain in dialogue with all global, relevant actors,” criticizing the government for a “hyper-moralizing” foreign policy.

Roettgen countered that Russia is conducting a “hybrid war” against Germany and Europe, accusing Frohnmaier of echoing Russian propaganda. Meanwhile, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has previously described Russia as a threat to Germany’s national security.

Reports indicate Germany plans to increase financial aid to Kiev by €3 billion ($3.5 billion) next year, while Ukraine recently received additional US-made Patriot air defense systems. Public opinion in Germany remains divided, with surveys suggesting a slight majority support territorial concessions by Ukraine to end the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that NATO states, including Germany, are effectively “at war with Russia” due to the ongoing use of Western-supplied weapons in Ukraine, while claiming that Russia will only strike NATO nations if first attacked.

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