PUTIN VS MERZ? Merz Accuses Russia Of Backing AfD To Weaken Germany's Ukraine Support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russia of supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and seeking to divide German society and weaken Berlin's military support for Ukraine. Speaking in Münster on Oct. 1, Merz referred to the AfD and its alleged "Russian patrons" while accusing Moscow of using hybrid attacks and social-media activity to destabilise Germany. Merz did not provide specific evidence in the speech that Russia funds or controls the party. The AfD opposes military aid to Ukraine and supports restoring Russian gas imports, while some of its politicians have had contacts with pro-Russian networks. The accusations come as the AfD has made electoral gains in eastern Germany and as Berlin considers restricting its access to a classified contingency plan for a possible Russian attack. #merz, #friedrichmerz, #germany, #afd, #russia, #putin, #kremlin, #ukraine, #ukrainewar, #russiaukrainewar, #germanpolitics, #germanynews, #russiaafd, #russianinterference, #europa, #europe, #geopolitics, #worldnews, #breakingnews, #militarynews In this Times Now World News report, we break down the this topic: Stay connected with Times Now World for real-time global news and analysis: Read full coverage: https://www.timesnownews.com/world Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timesnow.world Follow us on X: https://x.com/TimesNow_World #timesnowworld #worldnews #breakingnews