Putin economic adviser, AfD leadership prepare meeting on resuming gas supplies – media

Negotiations between Russian and German officials are underway to discuss the potential resumption of Russian gas supplies to Germany, according to Reuters, with details emerging from two sources familiar with the plans. The meeting could occur as early as March, featuring key attendees such as Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic advisor Kirill Dmitriev and AfD co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla.

The gathering aims to explore the possibility of reopening the Russian Nord Stream gas pipelines, a source revealed. However, the US has not been apprised of, or invited to, the proposed summit, as confirmed by a senior American official to Reuters.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is keen on this meeting, believing it will showcase their foreign policy acumen and provide them with a platform to criticize the German government regarding the high energy prices faced by their citizens. Yet, there has been dissent within Germany over the prospect of re-establishing connections with Russia.

Michael Kellner, a Green Party member, has cautioned that allowing Germany to once again rely on Russia could set the nation back up to EUR 50 billion and be akin to a betrayal. Kellner also accused Putin of exploiting the AfD for his own strategic ends.