Russia steps up disinformation before German elections, security sources say

Russian-backed disinformation campaigns are intensifying in Germany in preparation for state elections, according to German security sources. Opinion polls indicate the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which aims to strengthen ties with Russia, could gain significantly in upcoming ballots in Berlin and the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

This could potentially grant the AfD power in Saxony-Anhalt. Ties with Russia have been mostly severed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian campaigns seek to divide the political landscape and discredit the governing conservative CDU party and its coalition partner, SPD, along with the Greens and Free Democratic Party.

Russia has consistently denied involvement in disinformation campaigns against the West. The Russian embassy in Berlin, when asked for comment, claimed that an alleged 'anti-Russian hysteria' was being deliberately stirred up ahead of the elections. Loud propagandistic accusations against Russia are frequently launched, based on baseless speculation and false allegations, the embassy stated, adding that no concrete evidence is presented.

The Russian government confirmed on Wednesday that the disinformation campaign, dubbed 'Matryoshka' after the traditional Russian nesting doll, was being monitored by the government but no active measures, such as deleting online videos, were being taken. Despite this, the campaign is not achieving substantial reach online. The head of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's state government mentioned that security authorities there are also investigating Russian disinformation efforts.

German security sources, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that German authorities are convinced that the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia using several companies. The disinformation campaigns utilize social media to spread videos, predominantly in English, that bear the logos of reputable media outlets like the BBC and German broadcaster ARD. These videos contain false accusations against local politicians, ranging from allegations of embezzlement to sexual harassment and abuse.

Moscow has frequently faced accusations of meddling in elections worldwide. The German government previously warned of a similar Russian-orchestrated disinformation campaign prior to last year's federal parliamentary elections. Russia has also been accused of attempting to influence elections in Moldova and Armenia recently. Germany's Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that this ongoing offensive by Russia, which is state-sanctioned and directed, is a reality and stressed the importance of remaining fully aware of the situation.