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Putin Adviser Invites Germany’s AfD Lawmakers to St. Petersburg Economic Forum
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An adviser to Russian leader Vladimir Putin has extended invitations to members of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to attend an economic forum in St. Petersburg in June.
According to information cited by POLITICO’s Berlin Playbook and three AfD officials familiar with the matter on May 13, at least two members of the Bundestag—Markus Frohnmaier and Steffen Kotré—are expected to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum after receiving official invitations.
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One invitation, signed by Putin adviser Anton Kobyakov, states: “We are confident that pragmatic cooperation will help strengthen your business, political, and cultural ties for the benefit of a just world and a secure future.” The letter also notes that Putin is expected to attend the event.
The planned participation comes amid shifting political calculations within the AfD. According to POLITICO, earlier this year, party co-leader Alice Weidel reportedly sought to limit high-profile visits to Russia ahead of state elections in western Germany, concerned that overtly pro-Kremlin messaging could alienate voters.
However, the expected attendance of senior party figure Markus Frohnmaier at the June forum suggests a potential recalibration ahead of upcoming elections in eastern Germany in September, where the AfD is significantly stronger in polling and where voters have historically shown greater openness to closer ties with Moscow, the outlet reported
AfD lawmaker Stefan Keuter, who is responsible for approving party travel requests, confirmed he would authorize the participation of Frohnmaier and Kotré.
“From a political point of view, there is absolutely no reason not to,” he said.
Last year, American companies have filed applications to take part in the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Russia’s Roscongress Foundation said that SPIEF executive committee secretary Anton Kobyakov held a meeting with Robert Agee, president and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, to discuss possible cooperation and US business participation in the forum.
Roscongress added that a number of American firms have already expressed interest by submitting applications.
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