German intelligence detects increasingly aggressive Russian disinformation

German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) said Russia had stepped up disinformation campaigns after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

According to Bodo Becker, an expert in the field of BfV counterintelligence, Moscow's actions in the information space have changed significantly over the past year and a half, European Pravda reports with reference to DW.

“In general, these actions have become much more confrontational and aggressive,” Becker said.

According to him, the Russian authorities have adapted the content and tone of their disinformation campaigns to military action against Ukraine, as well as to public debate in Germany and around the world.

At the same time, the distorted presentation of information and the dissemination of false information by Russia are aimed at legitimizing Russian President Vladimir Putin and keeping him in power, the expert added.

Becker noted that through disinformation, the Russian Federation is trying to influence public opinion in other countries. In Germany, in particular, the Kremlin seeks to undermine public confidence in politicians, government agencies and the free media, as well as to discredit and weaken the country's allied relations and common values in the European Union and NATO.

He noted that to this end, Russian propaganda constantly touches sensitive topics in Germany and turns them into its own tool, using a number of opportunities to directly and indirectly spread disinformation.

In particular, Becker pointed to the official statements of Putin and his “mouthpieces” in the government and parliament, state media, information portals and social networks associated with Russian special services.