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Russia accused of using AfD to destabilize German society via 'Matrioška' operation
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

Russia accused of using AfD to destabilize German society via 'Matrioška' operation

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Russian intelligence is suspected of orchestrating disinformation campaigns in Germany to destabilize society and influence upcoming elections.
  • These campaigns, dubbed "Matrioška," use fake news and targeted accusations to sow discord and benefit the far-right AfD party.
  • Security officials warn of a coordinated effort between Russia and the AfD, urging German authorities to take the threat seriously.

German lawmakers suspect Moscow is behind a sophisticated disinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing German society and influencing upcoming elections in eastern states. The operation, codenamed "Matrioška," allegedly uses the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a conduit to spread Russian narratives.

Recent weeks have seen a surge in posts on platforms like X, TikTok, and Bluesky, disseminating misinformation. Security-focused legislators believe Russia is leveraging the AfD, which currently leads polls in eastern regions like Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern where elections are scheduled for September 6 and 20. The AfD denies these allegations, claiming to be a victim of political manipulation.

There is no other plausible explanation.

— Activist from Antibot4NavalnyReferring to the suspected Russian involvement in the 'Matrioška' disinformation campaign.

An activist group called "Antibot4Navalny," named after the late Russian opposition leader, first detected a disinformation campaign in June. This campaign involved fake versions of news reports from outlets like AFP, designed to incite division between eastern and western Germany. Following user reports, these accounts were blocked. A second campaign in July spread accusations of corruption and sexual crimes against politicians, with only AfD and the pro-Russian Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) politicians seemingly spared.

While definitive proof of Russian involvement is lacking, activists involved in monitoring "Matrioška" activities for two and a half years see clear parallels in the methods used. "There is no other plausible explanation," one activist told AFP. Green Party lawmaker Konstantin von Notz stated that Russia and the far-right are clearly working hand-in-hand, with millions allocated to disseminate narratives in Germany that are then amplified by the AfD. He criticized the government for inaction and urged them to treat these threats seriously.

From Russia, a narrative is spread in Germany, for which millions are allocated in the budget and which is then consciously and purposefully retransmitted by the AfD party.

— Konstantin von NotzGreen Party lawmaker and deputy chair of the parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, accusing Russia and the AfD of collaboration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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