Russian-backed disinformation campaigns are intensifying in Germany ahead of next month’s state elections, with local political figures increasingly targeted by fabricated allegations, according to German security sources cited by Reuters.
The campaigns are reportedly aimed in part at political rivals of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has strengthened its position in opinion polls ahead of elections in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The AfD’s leadership has called for closer relations between Germany and Russia, while Berlin’s political and economic ties with Moscow have been sharply reduced since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to several German security sources, the disinformation operations seek to deepen political polarization and undermine the credibility of the governing conservative CDU and its coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), as well as the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP).
German authorities are monitoring one campaign known as “Matryoshka,” named after the traditional Russian nesting doll. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry confirmed that the campaign was under observation but said authorities were not currently taking measures such as removing the material from online platforms.
“Currently, this campaign is not reaching significant levels online,” the spokesperson said, while stressing that authorities could not afford to reduce their vigilance because it remained a serious disinformation operation.
Authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are also investigating suspected Russian influence operations, according to the state’s government.
Four German security sources, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said German authorities were confident that the campaigns were largely being coordinated from Russia through a network of companies.
The operations reportedly rely heavily on social media, where videos—often produced in English—are distributed using the logos and visual identities of established media organizations, including the BBC and German public broadcaster ARD.
The fabricated videos have reportedly targeted local politicians with false accusations ranging from embezzlement to sexual harassment and abuse.
Russia has repeatedly faced accusations of attempting to interfere in elections in Europe and elsewhere. German authorities previously warned of similar Russian disinformation efforts ahead of last year’s federal parliamentary elections, while Moscow has also been accused of attempting to influence elections in Moldova and Armenia.
Russia has consistently rejected allegations that it is behind Western disinformation campaigns. The Russian Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
A spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry described Russia’s broader information activities as a continuing state-directed campaign.
“This ongoing and relentless offensive from Russia, which is sanctioned and state-directed, is a reality,” the spokesperson said, while noting that the statement was not specifically referring to the latest case.
With several state elections approaching, German authorities are increasingly focused on the potential use of fabricated media, social networks and politically targeted disinformation to influence voters and deepen existing political divisions.
