Several politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party used Russia's International Economic Forum in St Petersburg to call for a restoration of ties between Berlin and Moscow, including renewed energy cooperation.
Markus Frohnmaier, deputy leader of the AfD parliamentary group in Germany's Bundestag, told a panel discussion that it was not in Germany's national interest to stop trading with Russia.
He again criticized Germany's support for Ukraine following Russia's 2022 invasion, saying it was not in Germany's interest to become involved in foreign wars. The AfD sought a normalization of relations with Moscow because German-Russian ties remained important, he said.
Frohnmaier also met Gazprom chief Alexei Miller. He described Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war as misguided, arguing for a resumption of relatively cheap Russian gas supplies.
At another panel, Saxony AfD leader Jörg Urban called for Russian artists to be allowed to perform freely in Germany again.
AfD European Parliament member Petr Bystron and Bundestag lawmaker Steffen Kotré also advocated improved relations with Moscow during a discussion that included German conductor Justus Frantz.
Germany's Foreign Office had advised against the trip to St Petersburg. Forum moderator Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy for international economic cooperation, praised the AfD politicians for travelling to Russia despite criticism at home.
