**Title: Russia Steps Up Disinformation Before German Elections, Security Sources Say**
As Germany approaches critical state elections, security sources have reported a notable increase in Russian-backed disinformation campaigns targeting the political landscape. These campaigns primarily aim to undermine local political rivals of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is gaining traction in opinion polls ahead of the elections scheduled for next month in Berlin and the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The AfD, led by a figure who has expressed intentions to restore Germany's ties with Russia, appears poised to make significant electoral gains. Analysts suggest that the party could potentially seize power in Saxony-Anhalt, reflecting a broader trend of increasing support for far-right movements in Europe. This shift comes against a backdrop of strained relations between Germany and Russia, which have been largely frozen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to German security sources, the disinformation campaigns are designed to polarize the political climate in Germany and discredit the ruling conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, its coalition partner the Social Democratic Party (SPD), as well as the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). These efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy by Moscow to influence political discourse in Europe.
In response to inquiries about the disinformation allegations, the Russian embassy in Berlin dismissed the claims, attributing them to what they described as "anti-Russian hysteria" being stirred up ahead of the elections. The embassy stated, "Loud propagandistic accusations against Russia are regularly launched, based on baseless speculation and false allegations … Of course, no actual evidence is presented for this." They further asserted that Russia does not interfere in Germany's internal affairs.
The German government is actively monitoring the disinformation campaign, which has been dubbed “Matryoshka,” a name inspired by the traditional Russian nesting doll. An interior ministry spokesperson confirmed that while the campaign is being observed, there are currently no measures in place to remove online content associated with it. The spokesperson noted, “At the moment, this campaign is not achieving significant reach online. That is not to say we can let our guard down or anything of the sort. It remains a serious disinformation campaign.”
In addition to monitoring efforts at the federal level, security authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are also investigating the disinformation tactics being employed. Sources indicate that the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia, utilizing various companies to disseminate misleading content across social media platforms. This content often includes videos that falsely accuse local politicians of serious misconduct, including embezzlement and sexual harassment, and is presented under the guise of reputable media outlets, such as the BBC and German broadcaster ARD.
The German government has previously warned of similar disinformation efforts orchestrated by Russia, particularly during the federal parliamentary elections last year. There have also been allegations of Russian attempts to influence elections in other countries, including Moldova and Armenia. A spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the ongoing nature of these disinformation campaigns, stating, “This constant, ongoing offensive by Russia, which is state-sanctioned and state-directed, is a reality.”
As the elections approach, the German government remains vigilant about the potential impact of these disinformation efforts on the electoral process and the broader political landscape. The situation underscores the challenges faced by democracies in safeguarding their electoral integrity against foreign interference.