MEP Joachim Kuhs is a German politician and part of pro-Russian Alternative for Germany(AfD). A party famous for its right-wing and anti-Western ideology, which has been used to resonate with pro-Russian feelings in Germany. Kuhs has been linked with moves that can be seen as being pro-Russia. He is considered as a “Putinist” by many, however, does not consider himself pro-Russian.
He has appeared in interviews with the pro-Kremlin “Voice of Europe” television channel. It is known as a platform for Russian propaganda. The network reportedly paid MEPs to disseminate Russian propaganda within the European Union.
The Voice of Europe expose involves a Russian-backed propaganda network. It was uncovered by authorities in several European countries. The network, allegedly backed by pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk. As reported, he used the Voice of Europe website to spread anti-Ukraine narratives and influence European politics. It aimed to sway public opinion against supporting Ukraine and to promote pro-Russian views, particularly ahead of European Parliament elections.
Additionally, Kuhs has voiced views that suggest a desire for pragmatic negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which could be seen as aligning with Russian interests in ending the conflict quickly. In 2022, he refused to label Russia, a sponsor of state terrorism by rejecting a European Parliament resolution.
Moreover, he also opposed sending aid to Ukraine, arguing,
“The EU plans to give Ukraine an additional 18 billion euros. We reject this form of funding because it’s not transparent, and Ukraine ranks as the most corrupt European state on the Corruption Perception Index. There’s a real risk that these funds will end up in the pockets of corrupt oligarchs or be misused for military purposes. Direct humanitarian aid to the many innocent Ukrainians would be far more effective.”
