Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets German Elections

A Russian disinformation operation, known as Matryoshka, is actively targeting German election candidates ahead of the state elections scheduled for September 6, 2026. The campaign has spread over 180 fake posts on social media platforms, including X, Bluesky, and TikTok, falsely accusing candidates like Eric Stehr of serious crimes. These posts are designed to mimic major German media outlets, creating a facade of credibility. The operation has been ongoing since September 2023 and aims to discredit candidates while deepening societal divisions. Experts note that this campaign is unusual for its focus on local election candidates rather than prominent figures. Despite the scale of the operation, its impact appears limited, with many posts generating low engagement. Authorities have confirmed that the allegations against Stehr are baseless, and no investigations are underway.

Key Points: • The Matryoshka campaign has produced over 180 fake posts targeting German election candidates. • False allegations include serious crimes against candidates, particularly Eric Stehr. • The disinformation operation mimics major German media to gain credibility.