How Putin could benefit from the far rights victory in Germany

Key Points:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep shock at the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt, marking the first far-right state-level win since World War II, a result closely watched across Europe amid rising nationalist support.
• AfD, known for its pro-Russia stance and opposition to aid for Ukraine, has been welcomed by Moscow, with Kremlin officials praising the party's success as a potential shift away from current EU policies supporting Kyiv.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are both monitoring Europe's political shifts, as far-right parties' growing influence could impact continued European military and financial support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
• While AfD gains in Germany pose concerns, Chancellor Merz has committed to maintaining support for Ukraine and is unlikely to face a national election before 2029, providing some stability in Germany's policy direction.
• Other European countries with upcoming elections, such as France, Poland, and Italy, also face challenges from far-right parties; however, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains a key pro-Ukraine figure, potentially crucial for sustaining European backing against Russia.