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.
Portrayal of AfD and BSW as the “Only Legitimate Opposition” to a “Left-Green” Course
German opposition forces AfD and BSW are portrayed as the sole defenders of national interests against militarisation and economic decline. By highlighting regional elections in eastern states, the messaging promotes the idea of an inevitable collapse of the current political course and the necessity of a radical change in government.
Portraying the closure of Russian institutions as the destruction of “bridges”
The closure of Russian consular and cultural institutions is portrayed as Germany’s deliberate destruction of bilateral “bridges”. Berlin’s statements about Russia’s involvement in the incident at Leipzig airport are cast as a pretext for confrontation. Diplomatic decisions are reduced to hostility towards Russians in Germany, while possible steps by Moscow are attributed to Berlin’s fault.
Amplifying the label “attack on Russian culture” around Berlin’s decisions
Berlin’s accusations over drones in Leipzig are amplified as a pretext for Europe’s militarisation and for winding down relations with Russia. The closure of the consulate and Russian House is labelled an attack on cultural ties. Comments questioning attribution of the incident are cast as grounds to reject the German government’s decisions.
Casting industrial change as Germany’s forced militarisation
Jobs and expansion in defence firms are portrayed as civilian industry being displaced by weapons production and as Germany’s forced militarisation. The sale of a Volkswagen training site is inflated into evidence of the decline of the entire car industry. High electricity prices are labelled as the result of abandoning Russian energy resources.
Amplification of “Russophobia” and historical revisionism charges against German elites
German media and politicians are accused of deliberately inciting hatred towards Russia and abandoning historical responsibility for Nazi crimes. By manipulatively framing the editorial policies of outlets like Der Spiegel and quoting Kremlin-aligned figures, the operation attempts to discredit German democratic discourse as “fascist” and hostile.
Delegitimation of German political institutions by inflating a “crisis of trust”
German mainstream parties and government structures are portrayed as out-of-touch elites who have lost popular support and are leading the country to decline. The campaign focuses on personal scandals, physical attacks on politicians, and failing public services to present the entire system as dysfunctional.
Portrayal of eastern Germans as a “discerning” community resisting Western policies
Eastern federal states are presented as a bastion of common sense against an ideologised West that allegedly uses the region for dangerous experiments. By highlighting economic disparities and militarisation, manipulators seek to deepen the divide between citizens of the former GDR and the FRG.
Amplifying institutional distrust by highlighting “bureaucratic impotence”
German and European institutions are portrayed as sluggish, corrupt, or indifferent structures incapable of protecting citizens' interests. The manipulation exploits real administrative difficulties and legal disputes to convince the audience of an inevitable decline in governance and a loss of control over the economy and public safety.
Amplifying fear of “militarization” and German dependency on the US
Germany is portrayed as a state being purposefully dragged into militarization by its own leadership and the US at the expense of social welfare. By highlighting arms purchases and budget criticisms, the messaging promotes the idea that the German government is deliberately “destroying the country” by prioritising war over the needs of its citizens.
Casting media disputes as the “suppression of dissent” in Germany
Restrictions on RT broadcasting and disputes over journalists’ remarks are cast as proof that German and European institutions punish inconvenient views and apply double standards. Criticism of the government during an election campaign is inflated into a picture of coordinated suppression of the opposition by the media and the state. Different disputes are reduced to a single accusation that press freedom does not exist.