Reuters: AfD and Putin Adviser Plan Russian Gas Talks

Kirill Dmitriev, a close adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the leadership of Germany's AfD are preparing a meeting for next year to discuss the resumption of Russian gas supplies to Germany, two sources familiar with the plan told Reuters. According to the sources, the talks could take place as early as March, with AfD co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla expected to attend.

A prerequisite for the meeting is a prior agreement between Russia and Ukraine on a peace framework. Possible venues include Israel, the United Arab Emirates and India. The organizers are also hoping for the participation of US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, a high-ranking US official told Reuters that they had not been informed about the planned meeting nor invited to attend.

They are also expected to discuss the possible reactivation of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.

The AfD advocates a return to Russian energy as a way to support the weakened German economy and reduce high energy prices. However, the plans are meeting resistance from some German politicians. Lawmakers from the Greens and the CDU are warning against renewing dependence on Russia and claim that Moscow uses energy as a tool for coercion.

(Reuters, max)