Key facts
- A coordinated influence campaign, suspected to be linked to Moscow, is using fake videos and media to exploit East-West divisions in Germany.
- The campaign mimics the branding of well-known German media organizations and research groups to appear credible.
- Researchers have identified at least 49 fake videos and 12 falsified newspaper covers.
- The content promotes narratives of eastern Germans being unfairly treated or politically marginalized.
- The campaign aims to influence upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the far-right AfD is currently leading in polls.
- The campaign bears similarities to the 'Matryoshka' disinformation network, previously associated with pro-Russian influence activities.
Researchers have identified a coordinated influence campaign, suspected to be linked to Moscow, that is using AI-generated videos and falsified media to exploit existing East-West divisions in Germany ahead of key state elections in September. The campaign mimics the branding of prominent German media outlets and research organizations, such as Spiegel TV, Bild, T-Online, and the Institute for the Study of War, to spread false narratives.
Antibot4Navalny, a collective that tracks online influence operations, has documented at least 49 fake videos, 12 falsified newspaper covers, and one image of fake graffiti. These materials promote narratives that eastern Germans are unfairly treated, politically marginalized, or discriminated against in housing and other areas by western Germans. Some content falsely suggests a desire to restore East Germany.
The campaign exhibits characteristics of 'Matryoshka,' a disinformation network previously linked to pro-Russian influence activities in Europe. Such campaigns are known for impersonating credible sources to lend legitimacy to false claims. The focus on eastern Germany and the exploitation of societal and political tensions are deliberate tactics ahead of the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
These elections are seen as a significant test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's governing coalition. Recent polls indicate the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is leading in both states, potentially nearing an outright majority. Experts note that foreign influence campaigns often amplify existing social divisions to destabilize targeted societies and fuel polarized debates.
Despite Germany's reunification over three decades ago, differences in identity and lingering grievances continue to make East-West divisions politically sensitive. Researchers also point out that Russian and pro-Russian communications around German elections tend to favor parties like the AfD. While the direct impact of such campaigns on voting behavior is difficult to measure, they aim to deepen political polarization by pitting groups against each other. This is not the first time German elections have been targeted by Russian-linked influence operations, with previous campaigns like Doppelgänger and Storm-1516 documented.