Germany Set to Vote on Feb 23 Amid Reports of Putin’s Election Interference

With Germany’s federal elections approaching, a report has revealed a surge in disinformation driven by Russian bots on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). According to a report from the German Office of Foreign Affairs, obtained by Politico, the Kremlin-backed operation Doppelgänger is at the center of efforts to influence voters.

The report highlights that the Russian campaign relies on fake news websites, sleeper accounts, and AI-generated content to spread misinformation and undermine trust in Western institutions. Intelligence agencies across the EU and the US have previously tracked Doppelgänger’s highly coordinated tactics, which were primarily focused on weakening support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia. However, the operation has now shifted its attention to Germany’s elections, set for February 23.

Coordinated Disinformation Campaign

German officials have identified over 100 pseudo-news sites that have been quietly publishing misleading content for months. One official involved in the report, speaking anonymously to Politico, stated:

“These platforms are structured similarly, filled with generic, often AI-generated articles. At a chosen moment, a fabricated story is inserted and then rapidly spread via social media and influencers. We must assume these sites were prepared to be activated in the run-up to the Bundestag election.”

How Do Russian Bots Operate?

Authorities explained that sleeper websites mimic legitimate news outlets but remain inactive until politically sensitive events arise. When a critical moment occurs, these platforms begin publishing false stories, which then spread rapidly across coordinated social media networks.

European authorities have frequently accused Moscow of interfering in elections. Last year, Czech and Belgian officials dismantled a major influence network spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda ahead of the European Parliament elections. Similarly, Russia was blamed for interfering in Romania’s presidential elections in December 2023, leading to the election’s cancellation due to concerns over “aggressive” hybrid attacks.

Germany’s election is now under scrutiny, especially with growing concerns about the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is seen as Russia-friendly and backed by Elon Musk. Currently, AfD is running second in opinion polls.

Ghost Accounts and Fake News Amplification

Doppelgänger-linked websites have previously cloned major news outlets like Der Spiegel, making slight changes to domain names to mislead readers. The report indicates a sharp rise in activity from fake accounts, with over 3,000 posts in a single day in late January—compared to less than 50 posts per day in November and December.

German authorities noted that the disinformation campaign follows a clear pattern, frequently targeting Germany’s support for Ukraine by claiming Berlin is prioritizing Kyiv over its own citizens. One example mentioned in the report was a fabricated corruption scandal involving Economy Minister Robert Habeck and an unnamed “Ukrainian Culture Minister.” This false story, planted on a sleeper website in January, was amplified within hours by numerous X accounts.

The report also found that many of these election-related disinformation posts were generated through automation, with fake accounts posting at synchronized intervals.

Germany’s Response

In response, German officials are intensifying their counter-disinformation efforts. They are working closely with international partners, considering sanctions, and exploring ways to publicly expose the networks behind the campaign.