Russia intensifying disinformation campaigns ahead of German elections, sources say

Key facts

• Russia is intensifying disinformation campaigns in Germany ahead of state elections.
• The campaigns aim to polarize the political climate and discredit established parties.
• False accusations against politicians, including embezzlement and sexual harassment, are being spread.
• German security sources are certain the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia.
• The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is expected to make major gains in the upcoming elections.

Russian-backed disinformation campaigns are escalating in Germany ahead of state elections, targeting local political rivals of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. German security sources confirmed the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia using companies to disseminate false accusations against politicians via social media.

These operations aim to polarize the political climate and discredit established parties, including the conservative CDU, its coalition partner the SPD, as well as the Greens and the Free Democratic Party. The sources, who spoke anonymously, are certain the campaigns are centrally orchestrated from Russia and utilize various companies to spread false accusations of embezzlement, sexual harassment, and abuse, often disseminated in English videos bearing the logos of reputable media outlets like the BBC and ARD.

Germany is scheduled to hold elections next month in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Polls suggest the AfD could achieve a majority and potentially take power in Saxony-Anhalt. Moscow has consistently denied involvement in disinformation campaigns, despite past accusations of election interference from the German government and other countries.