AfD deputies and German business heading to Putin’s forum in St. Petersburg

For the first time since 2022, German business leaders and far-right deputies are preparing to officially participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled for June 3–6, 2026.

At least two Bundestag deputies from the Alternative for Germany party have confirmed their participation in SPIEF. They are deputy parliamentary group leader and foreign policy expert Markus Frohnmaier, and energy policy specialist Steffen Kotré. Both received official invitations signed by Putin’s adviser Anton Kobakov.

“Yes, I will go,” Kotré said in an interview with TASS.

The invitation text states: “We are convinced that pragmatic cooperation will help strengthen your business, political, and cultural ties for the benefit of a just world and a secure future.” AfD deputy Stefan Keuter, who is responsible for approving party members’ trips, said he would grant permission for the visit.

“From a political standpoint, there is absolutely no reason to refuse,” he said in an interview with Politico.

This comes despite earlier attempts by AfD co-chair Alice Weidel to limit high-profile visits to Russia ahead of elections in western German states — out of concern that pro-Russian statements could alienate voters. As September elections in eastern German states approach, where AfD enjoys strong support and voters show greater openness to ties with Moscow, the balance of forces appears to have shifted.

Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special representative for investment and economic cooperation, is actively advocating for a resumption of dialogue. On May 29, he wrote on X that “German industry has lost competitiveness and is being destroyed due to a 30–40% rise in energy costs caused by the rejection of Russian energy,” commenting on Putin’s remarks about Europe’s abandonment of Russian energy via the Nord Stream pipeline.

SPIEF 2026 is being held under the motto “Pragmatic dialogue — the path to a stable future.” Representatives from more than 130 countries have confirmed their participation in the forum. Putin is expected to take part in the plenary session.

A Russian-American business dialogue is also planned at the forum: the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia is discussing possible participation by American businesses. The organizers are positioning SPIEF as a platform for maintaining economic ties despite geopolitical tensions. Ukraine and its allies condemn any normalization of relations with Moscow while the war continues.