Signal
Submitted
Apr 28, 2026, 15:29 UTC
On April 3, 2024, AfD party leaders demanded Bundestag member Petr Bystron explain alleged ties and possible payments from the Russian propaganda network 'Voice of Europe'.
The AfD Bundestag member Petr Bystron was ordered by party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla to provide a written explanation by April 3, 14:00 UTC, regarding accusations reported by Czech newspaper 'Denik N' and German media of his involvement with the pro-Russian disinformation portal 'Voice of Europe'. Czech intelligence sources reportedly possess an audio recording allegedly documenting Bystron's contact with the network and possible receipt of money. The network is accused of distributing several hundred thousand euros to European politicians. The Czech Cabinet recently sanctioned 'Voice of Europe' operators including Putin ally Viktor Medvedchuk. Bystron rejects the allegations as unproven and demands the release of audio evidence. Interviews by 'Voice of Europe' with AfD politicians Maximilian Krah and Bystron have been disseminated online. A personal discussion between Bystron and AfD leadership is expected after Easter. The case highlights potential Russian-linked influence operations attempting to leverage European politicians.
Confidence: High
The article clearly reports allegations and investigations concerning Russian-linked propaganda network 'Voice of Europe' engaging in disinformation and financial influence operations targeting European politicians, with Bystron implicated as recipient of funds, meeting the criteria for aggressor hybrid activity.
Source URL
https://tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/afd-voice-of-europe-100.html
Source reliability
B
Info credibility
6
Event time
Apr 3, 2024, 14:00 UTC
Event time confidence
exact
Location
Cyberspace
Primary actor
Petr Bystron
Country
Unknown
Tags
Russia, Disinformation, Voice of Europe, AfD, Petr Bystron, russian influence operations, Political manipulation, European elections, Sanctions
Nodes
Node 2: 5th Column, Node 3: Political Disruptions