Doubtful "Alternatives to Germany" event in Ukraine -. N-tv. The "Alternatives to Germany" parliamentary faction in the Bundestag is holding a panel discussion titled "Switzerland of the East: A Vision for a Peaceful Ukraine." Among the invitees is Yulia Mendel, the former press secretary of President Zelensky, who has recently attracted more and more attention for her pro-Russian stance. Also scheduled to attend is Markus Frohnmeier, an AfD politician with close ties to the Kremlin who is rumored to be a Russian agent. Despite the invitation, Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Alexey Mkaev, refused to participate in the event.