Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution Warns of Russian Influence Attempts
Inside analysis indicates ongoing risks of disinformation and cyber interference during coalition formation post-election.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) in Germany has issued a warning regarding potential Russian attempts to influence the political decision-making process in the country.
According to a recent analysis released by the domestic intelligence agency, there is an expectation of continued influence attempts, particularly in the period following the recent federal elections and leading up to the formation of a new government.
The BfV highlighted that threats could arise from disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, as well as espionage and sabotage activities.
Among the tools cited for these influence operations are state-sponsored Russian media, pro-Russian influencers who are allegedly paid to promote Kremlin-friendly narratives, along with social media networks employing bot accounts and fake profiles.
Previous instances of such attempts include substantial efforts to exert influence during elections in Moldova and Romania.
More recently, early in 2025, similar recruitment and disinformation campaigns targeting electoral processes were detected in Poland, as the country prepares for presidential elections set for May. The objective behind these operations appears to be swaying electoral outcomes in favor of Russian interests.
In the lead-up to the recent federal elections in Germany, the BfV observed efforts by Russian actors to undermine political opponents and positions that are seen as detrimental to Moscow's objectives.
Conversely, there were attempts to showcase favorable candidates and parties for Russia through positive portrayals in the information landscape.
Furthermore, the agency expressed concerns about narratives being disseminated that suggest the government’s prioritization of support for Ukraine over the needs of the domestic populace.
This reflects a strategic communication effort aimed at reshaping public perception.
The report also points to the increasing intertwining of state and non-state actor activities, complicating the attribution of sabotage efforts and allowing Russia to evade responsibility for its actions, according to the BfV's assessment.
According to a recent analysis released by the domestic intelligence agency, there is an expectation of continued influence attempts, particularly in the period following the recent federal elections and leading up to the formation of a new government.
The BfV highlighted that threats could arise from disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, as well as espionage and sabotage activities.
Among the tools cited for these influence operations are state-sponsored Russian media, pro-Russian influencers who are allegedly paid to promote Kremlin-friendly narratives, along with social media networks employing bot accounts and fake profiles.
Previous instances of such attempts include substantial efforts to exert influence during elections in Moldova and Romania.
More recently, early in 2025, similar recruitment and disinformation campaigns targeting electoral processes were detected in Poland, as the country prepares for presidential elections set for May. The objective behind these operations appears to be swaying electoral outcomes in favor of Russian interests.
In the lead-up to the recent federal elections in Germany, the BfV observed efforts by Russian actors to undermine political opponents and positions that are seen as detrimental to Moscow's objectives.
Conversely, there were attempts to showcase favorable candidates and parties for Russia through positive portrayals in the information landscape.
Furthermore, the agency expressed concerns about narratives being disseminated that suggest the government’s prioritization of support for Ukraine over the needs of the domestic populace.
This reflects a strategic communication effort aimed at reshaping public perception.
The report also points to the increasing intertwining of state and non-state actor activities, complicating the attribution of sabotage efforts and allowing Russia to evade responsibility for its actions, according to the BfV's assessment.
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