Ukraine is defending not only itself but also all of Europe and all of its values, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said when asked whether he was bothered by the fact that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ranked second in the German election polls.

"Most people agree with the fact that Ukraine is defending not only itself. It is defending the values, defending Europe. Our people, primarily our servicemen, are defending everyone regardless of whether they rank first, second or third. I think this is the most important thing," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Kyiv.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the head of state also noted that Ukraine is defending life, democracy and freedom in the world. Therefore, in his words, "taking a risk of not protecting Ukraine todays means thinking of how to protect yourself tomorrow."

As reported, the far-right AfD favors reducing immigration and ending Germany's armed support for Ukraine. Party leader and candidate for chancellor Alice Weidel has declared her intentions to ensure that Germany receives Russian gas again through the Nord Stream pipeline.