Medvedev Says Germany Pressured AfD to Drop Sochi Visits

Overview

• Medvedev said AfD figures were effectively placed “outside the law” in Germany and accused nearly of treason, which he argued left them little choice but to stay away.
• He asserted the ruling coalition in Berlin feared AfD participation in events in Russia and signaled them not to go, casting the episode as evidence of “colossal pressure.”
• RIA Novosti reported a closed symposium in Sochi involving European politicians and cited German media accounts that AfD representatives were told not to travel.
• CDU/CSU figures criticized the planned visits, with CSU’s Martin Huber calling them work in Moscow’s interests and CDU’s Roderich Kiesewetter warning of use in a “hybrid confrontation.”
• AfD leaders defended engagement with Russia but scaled back plans, with Alice Weidel stating on November 11 that only Bundestag member Steffen Kotré would attend.