Russian Disinformation Campaign Observed Ahead of State Elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Background of the Operation

The number of videos identified so far is in the low three-digit range, according to the security authorities. Despite the comparatively small absolute numbers, observers consider the campaign a serious attempt to influence the political climate in the run-up to the elections. Platforms on which polarizing content already circulates are said to be particularly affected.

The security authorities classify the operation as targeted foreign interference. It involves coordinated activities aimed at weakening social cohesion in Germany. The findings are currently being cross-checked with intelligence services of other European states in order to obtain a complete picture of the operation.

At the center of the observation is the allegation that Russian actors are attempting to deliberately influence the political mood in the two eastern German states. Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are regarded as regions in which parties such as the AfD and the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht enjoy particularly high levels of support. Observers see this as a possible point of entry for disinformation campaigns.

Distribution via Social Networks

According to the authorities, the campaign's modus operandi shows parallels to activities already documented during last year's federal election. Then as now, AI-generated material is being used that is meant to appear deceptively real. According to the findings, the perpetrators are using modern technologies to produce content on a large scale and with little effort.

The federal government was informed of the findings, according to information from security circles. In the capital Berlin, the analyses of the authorities involved are being brought together. An official statement from the government was not initially available. The state governments in Magdeburg and Schwerin have also been included in the assessment.

Impact on the Election Campaign

Disinformation experts warn that even comparatively small campaigns can have significant effects when they are placed in politically heated phases. The weeks before an election are considered a particularly sensitive period in which voters may be more receptive to emotionally charged content. The authorities also called for increased vigilance.

The state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are regarded as an important litmus test for federal politics. Both elections will take place in the autumn and are eagerly awaited. The security authorities announced that they would continue to monitor the situation intensively and provide timely information on any new findings.