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“Zelenskyy Should Pay for Blowing Up Nord Stream,” German Co-Leader of the AfD Says, “A Country That Does That Is Not Our Friend — We’ll Demand Those Billions Back”

Zane Clark
“Zelenskyy Should Pay for Blowing Up Nord Stream,” German Co-Leader of the AfD Says, “A Country That Does That Is Not Our Friend — We’ll Demand Those Billions Back”

Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leader Alice Weidel said Ukraine should compensate Germany for the destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, accusing Ukrainian actors of responsibility for the attack and calling for financial claims against Kyiv if her party enters government.

Speaking at an AfD event in Baden-Württemberg, Weidel criticized Germany’s response to the pipeline explosions and said the government had failed to protect national energy infrastructure. “Then the Ukrainians, Zelenskyy, should pay for blowing up our pipeline,” Weidel said. “We will demand compensation, plus repairs to Nord Stream.”

Weidel said the loss of Russian natural gas had damaged Germany’s economy and energy supply. “The missing supply of inexpensive natural gas does not only harm Germany, it harms all of Europe, but Germany the most,” she said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly endorsed Weidel’s remarks. In a post on social media, Orbán wrote: “[Alice Weidel] is right!” linking his support to her comments.

Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 were major natural gas pipelines running under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Nord Stream 1 was a key supply route for German industry and households, delivering tens of billions of cubic meters of gas annually. Nord Stream 2 was completed but never certified for operation.

In September 2022, a series of underwater explosions ruptured both pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm, causing gas leaks and rendering large sections of the infrastructure inoperable. German, Danish and Swedish authorities opened criminal investigations into the incident and treated it as suspected sabotage.

Western intelligence assessments later concluded the explosions were likely the result of a deliberate attack rather than an accident. Subsequent reporting cited investigative findings that individuals with Ukrainian links were suspected of involvement, though Ukrainian officials denied responsibility, and no government has publicly named a state sponsor. German prosecutors have said the investigation is ongoing and no final conclusions have been announced.

Weidel also criticized the German government for not publicly assigning responsibility for the pipeline explosions. “How can a federal government remain silent when our energy infrastructure is blown up right in front of us?” she said.

Weidel, who was her party’s candidate for chancellor in the 2025 federal election, has continued to be a central figure in AfD leadership. In late 2025 opinion polling that asked voters whom they would choose in a hypothetical direct chancellor vote, Weidel led with 26 percent support, ahead of incumbent Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz at 20 percent and Social Democratic Party leader Lars Klingbeil at 12 percent, although a plurality said “none of them.” This polling was conducted by the Insa Institute for Bild. 

Recent representative surveys have also shown the AfD increasing its support relative to the CDU/CSU, with some polls showing the AfD and CDU/CSU tied at around 25 percent, reflecting a shift in voter preferences since the 2025 federal election. 

Next scheduled federal elections in Germany are in March 2029, and current trends in polling are likely to inform discussions about party positioning and leadership ahead of that vote. 

Heilbronn, Germany — AfD co-leader Alice Weidel said Friday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should pay for the destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, criticizing Germany’s federal government for failing to clarify responsibility or pursue compensation.

Speaking to an audience of roughly 1,800 in Heilbronn, Weidel said the Nord Stream pipelines were “demonstrably blown up by a Ukrainian with help from foreign intelligence services—you can roll the dice who that might have been.” She added that her party would hold Ukraine accountable, stating: “We’ll make claims for repayment. Then let the Ukrainians—Zelenskyy—pay for blowing up our pipeline. A country that does that is not our friend. One should at least go out and admit it and address it. We’ve invested over 70 billion in that country. We’ve delivered weapons. German soldiers have been promised. How can anyone be so forgetful of history?”

The Nord Stream pipelines, which transport Russian natural gas to Germany and Europe, were sabotaged in September 2022 near the Danish island of Bornholm. Initial investigations suggested that individuals with Ukrainian links were suspected of involvement, though no official government conclusions have been publicly confirmed. The attacks disrupted energy supplies across Europe and drew attention to Germany’s reliance on imported gas.

Weidel criticized the German federal government’s response to the incident, saying: “How can a federal government stay silent? The lack of cheap natural gas supply harms not only Germany but all of Europe—Germany the most.” She also called for Germany to reclaim billions spent on support for Ukraine, including funds for weapons and reconstruction, as well as costs for repairing the Nord Stream pipelines.

The AfD co-leader framed her remarks within broader party positions advocating for peace negotiations and a neutral role for Germany in international conflicts. “We will support every peace negotiation worldwide. When we have government responsibility, we’ll join the peace council newly founded by Donald Trump,” she said.

Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, publicly supported Weidel’s position stating: “@Alice_Weidel is right!”

Weidel’s speech coincides with her position as a leading candidate in early polling for the 2029 German federal election. A recent Insa survey found that Weidel led with 26 percent support among respondents, while Forsa Institute data indicated that the AfD and the CDU/CSU bloc were tied at around 25 percent each in general voter preference. Next scheduled federal elections in Germany are in March 2029.

She linked the Nord Stream incident to broader energy and industrial concerns, highlighting the destruction of nuclear plants like Philippsburg and Gundremmingen, high energy costs, and job losses in Baden-Württemberg. She emphasized the need for a “safe, prosperous Germany with innovative strength and well-educated people” and advocated for cheap natural gas, returning nuclear power to operation, and a reduction of energy taxes and levies.

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About Author

Zane Clark

Zane Clark is a writer whose interest in national affairs began at age 11, during a birthday ride in a 1966 Piper 180C that sparked an early curiosity about history and current events. That first moment of perspective grew into a lasting fascination with the people, conflicts, and decisions influencing the nation’s direction. Today, Zane brings clear, informed storytelling to Altitude Post, covering everything from major events to the individuals helping shape the country’s future. When he’s not writing, he’s researching history, following current developments, spotting aircraft, attending airshows or exploring the stories behind the headlines.

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