AfD Leader: Dependence on Russia Is Sovereignty

Tino Chrupalla, a leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, called for an end to arms deliveries to Ukraine and the lifting of all sanctions against Russia, praising Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's energy dependence on Moscow as "true sovereignty." Speaking on ZDF television, Chrupalla argued sanctions are "senseless" and have caused significant damage to the German economy. He cited Orban's visit to Moscow as an example, noting Hungarians pay 2.53 cents per kilowatt-hour for gas. He also opposed German-made drones being used for attacks on Russian territory. The AfD recently won state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, with polls showing 45% support in eastern Germany, up 13 points from 2025. Several thousand protesters gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate against the far-right party and in support of democracy.