AfD leader Tino Chrupalla defended the actions of the AfD leadership in connection with reports about possible involvement of leading politicians in his party with Russia and China. “We will draw clear consequences if these things are confirmed against Mr. Krah and Mr. Bystron,” said Chrupalla on the ZDF program “Maybrit Illner.” Both had assured in writing that there was no truth to the allegations and therefore the presumption of innocence applies.

The MEP Maximilian Krah is the AfD's top candidate for the European elections, the AfD Bundestag MP Petr Bystron is in second place on the electoral list. After media reports about possible connections to pro-Russian networks and possible financial payments, public prosecutors are checking with both politicians whether an investigation should be started. Krah is also under pressure because one of his employees was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

In the heated TV session, CDU politician Armin Laschet attacked Chrupalla: "Such conditions have never existed in the Federal Republic of Germany with this level of treason," said the former Union Chancellor candidate. "If you were as sure as you are here, you would have to say, I'll send Krah on every talk show so that he can prove his innocence. Please don't take us and the German people for fools!"

Krah is not taking part in the AfD's opening election event with party leaders Alice Weidel and Chrupalla this Saturday in Donaueschingen as planned. There shouldn't be any videos with him either.