Allies Accused: German Opposition Demands Nord Stream Compensation from Ukraine

Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD), has called for Ukraine to provide compensation to Germany for the damage sustained by the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. Speaking in the Bundestag, Weidel urged Ukraine to clarify its alleged involvement in the incident that disrupted energy supplies to Europe.

"Ukraine must first explain how this state act of terrorism occurred and what role it played in it," Weidel stated, according to Ria Novosti. She further asserted, "In that case, the flow of payments must be reversed. Ukraine must pay reparations to Germany because this has caused us and all of Europe enormous losses due to the loss of cheap fossil energy."

Weidel argued that Germany's decades-long economic prosperity was built on Russian oil and gas supplies, a model she claims was deliberately destroyed by the current German government's confrontational policies toward Moscow. The AfD politician indicated that her party would seek to improve relations with Russia and initiate renewed dialogue between Russia and Ukraine if they win the upcoming federal election.

"Because of the truly irresponsible policies being pursued currently, we will seek a way to negotiate with Russia and encourage Ukraine to sit at the negotiating table with Russia," she added. This statement reflects the AfD's consistent criticism of Germany's military support for Ukraine and its call for a diplomatic approach to the conflict.

The explosions that damaged the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline network occurred on September 26, 2022, in the Baltic Sea. The incident prompted investigations in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, none of which ruled out sabotage from the outset. The operator, Nord Stream AG, described the damage as unprecedented and anticipated a highly difficult recovery process.