AfD Leadership Clash: Weidel and Chrupalla Split Over Russia Policy as Party Faces Internal Turmoil
November 14, 2025
Context for the debate includes prior Rohftuß visits to Sochi and meetings with Dmitri Medvedev that have drawn scrutiny from opponents.
The AfD remains above 20% in polls as it navigates Moscow ties while trying to expand in western Germany and courting MAGA-aligned supporters in the U.S.
The report notes the video duration of three minutes with a stand time listed at 06:57 AM.
Chrupalla argues Germany should avoid warmongering and pursue peace, suggesting Russia poses no current threat, while warning about potential dangers from NATO ally Poland.
The dispute centers on the AfD’s Russia policy and how it should shape the party’s direction.
The report is sourced from Welt, Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH, with standard copyright attribution.
Weidel questions the purpose of the Russia trips in Bundestag discussions, signaling internal strife and varying stances within the party.
Analysts describe the split as revealing deeper strategic rifts over Russia versus Western-aligned approaches, with concerns about diplomatic benefits.
Critics accuse the AfD of servility to Russia, fueling perceptions that the party compromises German interests.
Several AfD figures considered attending BRICS-related events in Sochi, with some planning to meet Medvedev and others backing out or remaining committed.
Weidel's criticisms include calling planned Russia visits inappropriate and advocating de-escalation, aligning with a more cautious position toward Moscow.
Chrupalla defends the trips by saying travel plans were registered and approved, highlighting the leadership dispute at the top.
AfD lawmakers are accused of using parliamentary questions to obtain sensitive infrastructure and security information, an accusation the party denies without providing explanations.
Some party members worry Weidel’s stance could alienate MAGA-aligned supporters in the U.S. and harm the AfD’s public image.
Experts warn that a strongly pro-Kremlin posture could hinder domestic support and damage ties with European nationalist allies, complicating Western connections.
Despite the rift, Weidel and Chrupalla issued a joint statement asserting they will continue to govern together.
The far-right AfD is embroiled in a leadership crisis over Russia policy, pitting co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla against each other as plans for Russia-related trips threaten party unity.
Chrupalla publicly defends a Moscow-friendly line, arguing there is no current threat from Russia and calling for peacemaking, while Weidel criticizes the trips and seeks to de-escalate ties with Moscow.
The controversy deepens as Weidel bans meetings with Dmitry Medvedev and questions the purpose of Russia visits, signaling a more cautious stance toward Moscow.
Analysts highlight a broader geopolitical contest shaping AfD messaging, between pro-Kremlin alignment and Western-influenced currents.
Weidel’s remarks signal potential consequences for colleagues who participate in Russia trips, reflecting internal pressure within the party.
Polls show divided base sentiment, with roughly 44% fearing a Russian attack on Germany and 52% not fearing one, underscoring internal splits over Russia policy.
Summary based on 6 sources
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Sources

Euractiv • Nov 14, 2025
Germany's far-right AfD torn over Russia ties | Euractiv
台北時報 • Nov 14, 2025
Germany’s AfD leadership torn over ties with Russia
Al Arabiya English • Nov 14, 2025
Germany’s far-right party torn over Russia ties