German MEP on intelligence watchdog criticized for confidential talks with Putin cronies, raising security questions

Ralf Stegner, a Social Democrat member of the Bundestag, has been questioned by colleagues after attending a confidential meeting in Azerbaijan with Russian officials, including former Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov. Critics point to security risks given Stegner's access to sensitive information. The meeting, held against a backdrop of international tensions, has raised concerns about the desire of some German politicians to move closer to Moscow despite the war in Ukraine.