Putin blames Western mistakes for AfD's record win in Saxony-Anhalt

Russian President Vladimir Putin linked the far-right AfD party's record election result in Germany's Saxony-Anhalt state to systematic mistakes by Western countries in politics, security, and the economy. Speaking to journalists in New Delhi, Putin accused European governments of provoking conflict with Russia and unsettling citizens, which he said was reflected in the vote. The AfD won 43.8% on Sunday, just short of an absolute majority. Putin denied Russia posed a threat, citing World War II outcomes, and warned that European talk of sending troops to Ukraine would mean war with Russia. He is in India for a BRICS summit.