Russian Influence Operation: AfD Politician Bystron Allegedly Received 20,000 Euro in Prague Car Meeting

According to reports by Czech intelligence and joint investigations by Deník N, ARD's Kontraste, and Die Zeit, German Bundestag member Petr Bystron from the AfD allegedly received a cash payment of 20,000 Euros from Artem Martschewskyj, associated with the Kremlin-aligned propaganda network behind 'Voice of Europe'. The meeting took place in Prague with the car bugged by Czech intelligence. Audio recordings reportedly capture Bystron counting the money and discussing financial support for staff of newly elected MEPs. The Czech authorities passed evidence to Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which declined comment. Bystron rejects all accusations, viewing them as disinformation aimed at disrupting his party's electoral prospects. This case forms part of a broader Kremlin strategy to covertly influence European Parliament elections by backing pro-Russian candidates and embedding operatives within their offices.