Michels, a German politician and former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing The Left party, has been associated with various positions and statements regarding international relations, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine.
She voted against two of the most prominent resolutions in the European Parliament. The first was on 7 April 2022, in relation to the European Council conclusions adopted at the 24-25 March 2022 meeting of the European Council on the Ukraine war, on EU sanctions imposed on Russia and their implementation. The second concerned the resolution regarding allegations of interference by Russia in the democratic processes of the European Union, generally known as Russiagate. These two resolutions suggest that she might have a pro-Russian bent.
Michels has been known to critique Western foreign policy, including actions taken by the EU and NATO. Her party often advocates for a more diplomatic approach to international conflicts, which can sometimes be interpreted as sympathetic to Russia’s perspective, particularly in the context of advocating for dialogue over confrontation.
Former MEP served on various committees in the European Parliament that deal with international relations and cultural exchanges, which often intersect with issues related to Russia and Ukraine. Her involvement suggests an active engagement in shaping EU policy towards these regions.
She has expressed scepticism about the EU’s alignment with U.S. policies and has called
for a more independent European stance, her actions to some extent, categorise her as pro-Russian. She advocates for a nuanced approach that emphasises dialogue and negotiation.