The Kremlin is allegedly using strategies similar to those used in 2014 with Milorad Dodik, Russia's proxy in Bosnia & Herzegovina, to influence the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In September 2014, Dodik was summoned to Moscow and was offered a direct and lucrative Gazprom deal just weeks before elections. These energy projects, including Gazprom, Nord Stream, and South Stream, are characterized as political weapons by Russia rather than economic ventures. The Kremlin is reported to have secured election success for its proxy Dodik through promises related to South Stream, which the EU later cancelled, yet the promises influenced voters. A similar approach with empty promises is now being targeted at AfD voters in Germany.

The Kremlin is allegedly using strategies similar to those used in 2014 with Milorad Dodik, Russia's proxy in Bosnia & Herzegovina, to influence the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In September 2014, Dodik was summoned to Moscow and was offered a direct and lucrative Gazprom deal just weeks before elections. These energy projects, including Gazprom, Nord Stream, and South Stream, are characterized as political weapons by Russia rather than economic ventures. The Kremlin is reported to have secured election success for its proxy Dodik through promises related to South Stream, which the EU later cancelled, yet the promises influenced voters. A similar approach with empty promises is now being targeted at AfD voters in Germany.