FVD MP allegedly joined Putin allies in call on replacing NATO
Dutch MP Ralf Dekker of the far-right Forum voor Democratie (FVD) allegedly took part in a March 25 videoconference with senior members of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ruling party to discuss alternatives to NATO, according to leaked records obtained by Dutch newspaper NRC. The meeting reportedly included Russian politicians under EU and U.S. sanctions for supporting the war in Ukraine.
Dekker, who temporarily filled in as an FVD lawmaker in the Tweede Kamer until April 1, remains a provincial representative in Noord-Holland. Photos published by the Russian Academy of Sciences show Dekker onscreen alongside members of Germany’s far-right AfD, including Bundestag members Rainer Rothfuss and Petr Bystron. Bystron is under investigation for allegedly helping Russia interfere in EU elections.
The conference was chaired by Russian Senator Andrey Klimov and led by Deputy Federation Council Chair Konstantin Kosachev—both sanctioned for backing the invasion of Ukraine. Klimov later praised the talks and said some European participants supported Putin’s proposed “Eurasian security order.”
FVD did not respond to NRC's questions. Dekker’s remarks during the call were not published, but he previously echoed Russian narratives in parliament, calling NATO “Phantasialand” and claiming Ukraine’s military—and NATO—were collapsing.
Lawmakers from D66 and Volt said they will demand an explanation from the Dutch cabinet. “Forum parroting Kremlin talking points is one thing. This looks like coordination,” said D66’s Jan Paternotte. Historian Bert van den Braak called for a formal investigation, warning FVD’s actions are "undermining democracy."
Although FVD leader Thierry Baudet denies ties to Russia, his name allegedly appeared in 2017 Kremlin-linked emails that listed him as a potential observer for Russian elections. The proposed delegation included PVV politician André Elissen and cited a total expense of 68,000 euros. Baudet ultimately did not travel to Russia.
The emails were sent by Kremlin media consultant Sargis Mirzakhanyan, who allegedly organized fake election observer missions to legitimize Russian elections. Eight invitees reportedly met with Kosachev and Duma foreign affairs chair Leonid Slutsky.
FVD has a long record of pro-Russian statements. Dutch intelligence warned Baudet in 2020 of possible Russian influence. In 2017, he publicly questioned the findings of the MH17 investigation. Party staffer John Laughland later appeared at a Sochi event alongside former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. A follow-up meeting on the “Eurasian security order” is planned in Perm, Siberia. FVD has not said whether it will attend.
FVD currently holds three seats in the Tweede Kamer and has lost ground after internal rifts and convictions of its MPs. In 2024, MP Gideon van Meijeren was sentenced to community service for inciting insurrection. Baudet and Pepijn van Houwelingen were convicted for hate speech and spreading conspiracy theories.
