AfD Leader Dismisses Russian Threat, Points to Poland
Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has ignited a political controversy following his statements on German public television regarding Russia and Poland. Appearing on the ZDF 'Markus Lanz' talk show on Tuesday evening, November 12, 2025, Chrupalla asserted that he sees 'no danger for Germany from Russia at the moment'.
During the broadcast, Chrupalla explicitly stated, 'Putin 'has done nothing to me'', and continued to suggest that any country could potentially pose a threat to Germany. He then singled out Poland, remarking, 'Take Poland, for example,' and added, 'Poland could also be a threat to us.'
Nord Stream Sabotage and Historical Context Cited
To substantiate his claim regarding Poland, Chrupalla referenced Warsaw's recent refusal to extradite a Ukrainian national, Volodymyr Zhuravlov, who is suspected by German authorities of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. He argued that 'Poland's economic interests differ from Germany's – just like Russia's.'
The AfD co-leader also offered a controversial perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that the West shares responsibility for Russia's invasion. He claimed the conflict originated as a 'civil war' in 2014, during which 'opposition figures were persecuted in Ukraine the language of the Russian-speaking minority was targeted'. Furthermore, Chrupalla dismissed the notion of a nuclear threat from Moscow, stating, 'Putin has never threatened a nuclear attack on Germany.'
Widespread Condemnation and Accusations of Pro-Russian Stance
Chrupalla's remarks drew immediate and strong condemnation from across the German political spectrum. Roderich Kiesewetter, a politician from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), sharply criticized the AfD, labeling it a 'Putin club' that would 'rather submit to a dictator than defend European and thus also German freedom'. Centrist German politicians have increasingly accused the AfD of acting as a mouthpiece for Russian interests within Germany.
Marc Henrichmann, the conservative chairman of the Bundestag's intelligence oversight committee, voiced his belief that Russia is actively using the AfD for espionage and to obtain sensitive information. Chrupalla, however, vehemently rejected these accusations, calling them 'disingenuous' and unproven.
AfD's Broader Stance on Russia and Internal Divisions
These latest comments by Chrupalla align with the AfD's broader, often ambiguous, stance on Russia and the war in Ukraine. The party has previously called for Germany's withdrawal from sanctions against Russia and advocated for direct negotiations with Moscow. Chrupalla himself faced criticism in May 2023 for attending a reception at the Russian embassy in Berlin.
The party is also reportedly experiencing internal divisions over its members' contacts with Russia, particularly concerning a planned trip by some AfD politicians to a BRICS conference in Sochi. As the second-largest party in Germany's parliament, the AfD's positions on international relations continue to generate significant debate and scrutiny.
6 Comments
Africa
The accusation of the AfD being a 'Putin club' might be strong, but their consistent downplaying of Russian threats and attendance at Russian embassy events certainly doesn't help their case for neutrality. Transparency is key.
Coccinella
Finally, someone dares to speak truth! Russia isn't our enemy, bad policies are.
Muchacho
Some might argue for dialogue with Russia, which is a long-term goal. But ignoring the immediate threat and historical context of their actions makes any such dialogue impossible right now.
ZmeeLove
Calling Poland a threat while defending Russia? This is pure Kremlin propaganda.
Habibi
Unbelievable! Chrupalla is a disgrace, completely ignoring Russia's aggression.
Coccinella
While it's important to question foreign policy, dismissing Russia's clear aggression in Ukraine seems wilfully ignorant. We need a nuanced approach, not denial.