AfD and Russia Prepare for Potential Gas Talks in March 2027

Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev and the leadership of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are preparing to discuss a potential return of Russian gas supplies to Germany. The proposed meeting, set to take place as early as March 2027, would involve AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, with discussions focused on energy supplies and Germany's economic interests.

The idea of restoring Russian pipeline gas to Germany has been a contentious issue since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Before the invasion, more than half of Germany's natural gas supply came from Russia. However, the subsequent loss of Russian pipeline supplies forced Germany to rapidly diversify its energy sources.

AfD has increasingly emphasized the importance of inexpensive Russian energy for Germany's industrial success. The party has previously sought direct contact with senior Russian economic figures and has called for the reopening of the Nord Stream pipeline. Dmitriev, who heads Russia's sovereign wealth fund, has maintained a prominent role in Russia's economic and international outreach.

Germany's energy debate has intensified as European gas prices remain elevated and gas storage levels have stayed below seasonal averages. The proposed meeting remains a plan rather than an agreement to resume imports, and the next developments are likely to be clarification from the AfD or Dmitriev's office on whether the talks will proceed.