Berlin (dpa, d.de) – Ahead of the state elections in September, Germany’s security authorities are monitoring fresh Russian attempts to influence public opinion through targeted disinformation campaigns. According to security sources, these include the dissemination of fake social media posts and manipulated videos. The aim is to discredit political parties and politicians and further fuel political polarisation.
The campaign has been linked to Operation Matryoshka, which was previously observed in the run-up to the 2025 federal election. The posts and videos bear the logos of well-known media organisations such as ARD and the BBC to make them appear credible. They falsely accuse local politicians of offences including embezzlement and sexual crimes. The content is being spread primarily via the platform X, although much of it has since been removed.
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the content has so far reached only a limited audience. Nevertheless, it is said to be “neither harmless nor without risk”. The Federal Foreign Office regards the campaigns as part of the hybrid threat posed by Russia. The aim is to polarise society and undermine trust in democratic institutions. The campaigns are also making increasing use of artificial intelligence.
On 6 September, a new state parliament will be elected in Saxony-Anhalt, followed by Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and also Berlin on 20 September.
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