POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Kremlin Claims It Welcomes Germany’s AfD Wanting Dialogue with Russia
The Claim A viral claim circulating on social media and news platforms asserts that the Russian government, specifically the Kremlin, has expressed approval of the German far-right political party...
The Claim
A viral claim circulating on social media and news platforms asserts that the Russian government, specifically the Kremlin, has expressed approval of the German far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) seeking to engage in dialogue with Russia. The claim gained traction after a Reuters Fact Check article titled “Kremlin says it welcomes fact that Germany’s AfD wants dialogue with Russia” was shared widely, sparking public debate about the nature of this alleged statement.
The original source of the claim appears to be a Reuters Fact Check report, which was linked through Google News and other platforms. The article referenced by the link suggests that the Kremlin had stated its support for the AfD’s interest in engaging with Russia, raising concerns about potential diplomatic normalization or ideological alignment between the two entities. The claim is particularly sensitive given the AfD’s historically anti-EU and pro-Russian stances, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the European Union.
The Details & Investigation
Upon investigation, the original Reuters Fact Check article does not contain a direct quote from the Kremlin expressing approval of the AfD’s desire for dialogue with Russia. Instead, the article references a statement made by a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who said, We welcome any initiative aimed at improving relations between our countries. However, this statement was made in response to a general inquiry about international engagement, not specifically in reference to the AfD.
Further analysis of the timeline shows that the original article was published in January 2023, but the claim that the Kremlin explicitly welcomed the AfD’s outreach emerged later, likely due to misinterpretation or selective quoting. No official Russian government documents, press releases, or statements from high-ranking officials have been found that directly endorse or acknowledge the AfD’s position on dialogue with Russia.
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Additionally, the AfD itself has not publicly stated a formal request for dialogue with Russia, nor has it issued any official communication that would suggest such an intent. While the party has historically taken a more nuanced stance toward Russia compared to other German political groups, its positions are often criticized as being overly sympathetic to Moscow, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, there is no verified evidence that the AfD has initiated or sought formal dialogue with the Russian government.
Given the lack of direct quotes, official documentation, or clear context linking the Kremlin to a specific endorsement of the AfD, the claim appears to be an example of misinterpretation or misattribution. While the Kremlin may welcome general diplomatic overtures, the assertion that it specifically welcomes the AfD’s interest in dialogue lacks credible verification and is therefore misleading.
The Verdict
The viral claim that the Kremlin welcomes the AfD’s desire for dialogue with Russia is misleading. While the Russian government has expressed openness to diplomatic engagement with various international actors, there is no verified evidence that the Kremlin has specifically endorsed or welcomed the AfD’s interest in dialogue with Russia. The claim appears to be based on a misinterpretation of a general statement by a Russian Foreign Ministry representative, rather than a deliberate attempt to deceive.
As such, this claim is classified as MISLEADING. It inaccurately attributes a specific endorsement to the Kremlin that is not supported by verified sources or official statements. The lack of clarity and context surrounding the original statement contributes to the confusion, making this a case of unintentional miscommunication rather than coordinated disinformation.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
