What Russia tells German audiences
Narratives pushed at audiences in Germany by Russian state media and documented influence-operation outlets — in German and in Russian.
Delegitimation of state institutions by amplifying a perceived “loss of control” over public safety
German courts, police, and media are portrayed as either incapable of or unwilling to protect citizens from violence and radicalism. The campaign exploits real incidents and crime statistics to frame state authorities as corrupt or ideologically biased entities that ignore the interests of ordinary people.
Amplifying distrust by attributing the “deliberate destruction” of Germany to the government
The German government and leading politicians are systematically portrayed as incompetent and dishonest actors whose reforms are allegedly leading the country to inevitable collapse. By inflating domestic scandals and quoting radical opposition, the campaign creates the impression that deindustrialisation and economic decline are not mistakes, but a deliberate plan by those in power.
Amplifying futility and corruption tropes to undermine Western military support
Military aid to Ukraine is portrayed as hopeless and dangerous for Europe due to systemic corruption and allied incompetence. Manipulative outlets claim that Western weapons are flooding the European black market while promises of joint production are dismissed as mere tools to cement Ukraine's colonial dependence on the US and Poland.
Amplifying fears of “economic suicide” and exploiting historical guilt
German support for Ukraine and sanctions policy are portrayed as an act of national self-destruction that contradicts economic interests and historical gratitude towards Russia. Manipulators contrast the “pragmatism” of other EU states with Berlin’s supposedly irrational stance, while simultaneously labelling criticism of the Kremlin as a form of “racism.”
Fearmongering over Germany and the EU becoming “legitimate targets”
Military support for Ukraine and joint EU defence initiatives are portrayed as a dangerous escalation that turns European territory into a target for Russian strikes. Manipulative outlets claim that hosting defence production transforms civilian infrastructure into military targets, seeking to intimidate the population and undermine solidarity with Kyiv.
Predicting Ukraine’s collapse and its framing as a financial burden on Europe
Ukraine is portrayed as a state on the verge of collapse with a demotivated army and leadership planning to shift its debts onto Western taxpayers. Manipulative outlets amplify claims of Russian military superiority and Kyiv's economic insolvency to erode support for Ukraine in Germany.
Amplifying a sense of chaos through selective reporting on crime and social friction
Russian outlets systematically curate news about criminal offences, extremism, and migration disputes to create an impression of the imminent collapse of public order in Germany. By bundling real incidents from different regions, the manipulation seeks to convince the audience that the state has lost control over security and integration.
Predicting economic collapse and the “deindustrialization” of Germany
Germany is portrayed as a declining state suffering from a brain drain, high energy prices, and excessive bureaucracy. Manipulative outlets contrast the mass emigration of wealthy Germans with the influx of foreign students to sow despair about the country's future.
Delegitimation of electoral processes through the amplification of opposition “persecution” claims
German democratic institutions and media are portrayed as tools for suppressing the opposition, allegedly resorting to electoral manipulation and physical intimidation. The campaign exploits isolated incidents during campaigning and legal candidate admission procedures to create an impression of systemic fraud and a “dictatorship” by the current government.
Framing security measures as state “panic” to discredit institutional responses
Standard security protocols and official responses to threats are portrayed as signs of weakness and hysteria within the German leadership. This aims to convince citizens that the government is incapable of sober assessment while the media merely inflates fear.