Putin ties German far-right gains to Western mistakes

Russian President Vladimir Putin linked the far-right Alternative for Germany party's strong performance in the recent Saxony-Anhalt state election to mistakes by Western countries. He made the remarks during a meeting with journalists in New Delhi. Putin claimed that current events in Europe result from systematic Western errors in policy, security, and economics. He accused European governments of provoking open conflict with Russia and destabilizing their citizens, which he said was reflected in Germany's election results. The party received a record 43.8% support. Putin is visiting India for the BRICS summit. He denied Russia threatens European countries and questioned whether Europe wants to revise World War II outcomes, adding that discussions about sending troops to Ukraine would mean war with Russia.