AfD accused in Bundestag of acting as Russian proxy supporting Kremlin hybrid war

During an 'Aktuelle Stunde' session in the German Bundestag on 11 April 2024, coalition parties and opposition factions accused the AfD of acting as a proxy for Russian interests, supporting hybrid warfare operations aimed at destabilizing Germany and Europe. The debate was prompted by media revelations about Russian disinformation campaigns and allegations that AfD MP Petr Bystron maintained contacts with a pro-Russian platform possibly linked to illicit payments. Parliamentary speakers described the AfD as a 'trojan horse', a 'useful idiot' for the Kremlin, and demanded full transparency on its funding streams. The AfD leadership rejected all allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. The debate underscores ongoing concerns about Russia’s use of political influence and manipulation within EU member states through aligned parties and actors.