{"id":2032601,"date":"2026-07-08T09:13:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T06:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2032601"},"modified":"2026-07-08T09:13:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T06:13:35","slug":"fake-videos-exploit-germanys-east-west-divide-before-key-elections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2032601","title":{"rendered":"Fake videos exploit Germany&#8217;s East-West divide before key elections"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/72\/35\/1200x675_cmsv2_28a986f3-51f0-56df-8978-c8a5e861bb88-9827235.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2908218-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908218\" data-cid=\"9830086\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908218-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/98\/74\/189x106_cmsv2_833a6371-161a-56de-90b8-673a70ce4f15-9829874.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spanish strawberries.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish strawberries, the least contaminated in the EU\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908245-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908245\" data-cid=\"9830022\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908245-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/00\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_a9b2b283-1595-5d88-be54-6f2dcd70f292-9830022.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: IRGC missile systems in a manoeuvre in northwestern Iran, 17 October 2022\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Gulf states brace again for fiery US-Iran showdown as tensions spiral\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908170-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908170\" data-cid=\"9829666\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908170-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/96\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_a0484ddc-e991-502a-b214-a75cb6560740-9829666.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament condemns Zelenskyy for UPA diplomatic row\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908246-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908246\" data-cid=\"9830035\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908246-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/00\/35\/189x106_cmsv2_6edc1179-1584-5572-b02b-04af7cad698b-9830035.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is due to launch in the last quarter of 2026 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    ETIAS: Will Europe\u2019s new \u20ac20 travel authorisation system be delayed?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908218-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908218\" data-cid=\"9830086\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908218-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/98\/74\/189x106_cmsv2_833a6371-161a-56de-90b8-673a70ce4f15-9829874.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spanish strawberries.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish strawberries, the least contaminated in the EU\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908245-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908245\" data-cid=\"9830022\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908245-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/00\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_a9b2b283-1595-5d88-be54-6f2dcd70f292-9830022.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: IRGC missile systems in a manoeuvre in northwestern Iran, 17 October 2022\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Gulf states brace again for fiery US-Iran showdown as tensions spiral\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908170-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908170\" data-cid=\"9829666\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908170-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/96\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_a0484ddc-e991-502a-b214-a75cb6560740-9829666.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament condemns Zelenskyy for UPA diplomatic row\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908246-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908246\" data-cid=\"9830035\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908246-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/00\/35\/189x106_cmsv2_6edc1179-1584-5572-b02b-04af7cad698b-9830035.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is due to launch in the last quarter of 2026 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    ETIAS: Will Europe\u2019s new \u20ac20 travel authorisation system be delayed?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe Decoded<\/p>\n<p>                          The Cube<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Fake videos exploit Germany&#8217;s East-West divide before key elections<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/72\/35\/1536x864_cmsv2_28a986f3-51f0-56df-8978-c8a5e861bb88-9827235.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A German flag waves on top of the Reichstag building, home of the German federal parliament, Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              A German flag waves on top of the Reichstag building, home of the German federal parliament, Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspTamsin Paternoster&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspEstelle Nilsson-Julien\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783502015\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-07-08 11:13:35 +02:00\">08\/07\/2026 &#8211; 11:13 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"11:32\">11:32<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" 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class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Researchers say a coordinated influence campaign they suspect to be linked to Moscow is impersonating German media to exploit East-West divisions ahead of Germany&#8217;s September state elections.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>A fake newspaper cover claiming the &#8220;West hates the East&#8221;. AI-generated television reports suggesting western German landlords would rather rent to foreigners than eastern Germans, and videos falsely claiming that most young Germans want East Germany restored. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>These images and videos mimic the branding of some of Germany&#8217;s best-known media organisations, such as Spiegel TV, Bild and T-Online, as well as research organisations such as the Institute for the Study of War. <\/p>\n<p>However, they are not genuine. <\/p>\n<p>Researchers from the collective Antibot4Navalny, which tracks online influence operations, have identified at least 49 fake videos, 12 falsified newspaper covers and one image claiming to show fake graffiti during the first week of the campaign, which is being promoted on X, Bluesky and TikTok. <\/p>\n<p>This campaign repeatedly promotes the underlying narrative that Germany is increasingly divided between its East and West. <\/p>\n<p>Multiple posts claim eastern Germans are unfairly treated or politically marginalised, whilst others cite false statistics falsely claiming support for restoring East Germany or suggesting west Germans discriminate against east Germans in housing and other areas.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/72\/35\/808x456_cmsv2_66f334a8-4093-55f7-bf23-1b2f67b8a5d8-9827235.jpg\" alt=\"Falsified news reports mimic the branding of German media outlets. \"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Falsified news reports mimic the branding of German media outlets. <\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Cleared<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antibot4Navalny says the campaign bears hallmarks of belonging to &#8220;Matryoshka&#8221;, a disinformation and influence network European authorities have previously linked to pro-Russian influence activity. <\/p>\n<p>Matryoshka campaigns are known for mimicking and impersonating credible sources such as news outlets, think-tanks and research organisations \u2014 spreading false claims that aim to appear credible. <\/p>\n<p>Researchers say this campaign has deliberately focused on eastern Germany and seeks to exploit societal and political tensions ahead of two key state elections in September. <\/p>\n<p>The country is closely watching the elections in eastern states Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as both are considered an important test for the popularity of current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s governing coalition between the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). <\/p>\n<p>In both, recent polling indicates that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is ahead. The party itself hopes to win more than 40% of the vote share, a result that would put it within reach of an outright majority and strengthen its chances of leading a state government for the first time. <\/p>\n<h2>Why East versus West?<\/h2>\n<p>Lea Fr\u00fchwirth, a senior researcher at the German non-profit extremist monitoring agency, the Centre for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS), says foreign influence campaigns often seek to amplify existing social divisions rather than invent entirely new ones.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Foreign influence campaigns aim to destabilise targeted societies,&#8221; she told Euronews&#8217; verification team, The Cube. &#8220;It is common practice to attempt this by fuelling polarised debate on sensitive topics and hot-button issues.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Although Germany has been reunified for more than three decades, Fr\u00fchwirth says differences in identity and lingering grievances mean East-West divisions remain politically sensitive.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Reunification did not take place at eye level, and many people in the East report profound grievances at the hands of West German people,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Structural differences persist to this day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s also the political aspect to it: Russian and pro-Russian communication around German elections favours pro-Russian parties, such as the far-right AfD, and tends to badmouth others,&#8221; she added.<\/p>\n<p>Fr\u00fchwirth says campaigns such as this seek to exploit existing grievances by pitting groups against one another and deepening political polarisation. <\/p>\n<p>Whether campaigns like this ultimately influence voting behaviour is difficult to measure, as is their actual reach, with reports suggesting that the campaign inflates viewership numbers on posts to make it seem like they have more engagement than in reality. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s not the first time German elections have been targeted by influence campaigns linked to Russia. 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after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908089-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908089\" data-cid=\"9829297\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908089-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/92\/97\/320x180_cmsv2_ae79dee2-6f29-5081-a63d-008f5bcfc130-9829297.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO summit in Ankara, 8 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says ceasefire with Iran &#8216;over&#8217; after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908245-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908245\" data-cid=\"9830022\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908245-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/00\/22\/320x180_cmsv2_a9b2b283-1595-5d88-be54-6f2dcd70f292-9830022.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: IRGC missile systems in a manoeuvre in northwestern Iran, 17 October 2022\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Gulf states brace again for fiery US-Iran showdown as tensions spiral<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908181-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908181\" data-cid=\"9829781\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908181-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/97\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_ceb154a2-efec-5ce4-9ecf-cff4f7df74f9-9829702.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spanish prime minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez arrives at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday 7 July 2026. (Osmancan G\u00fcrdo\u011fan, file photo via AP)\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump brands Spain a &#8216;wasted cause&#8217; and orders trade cut-off<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908152-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908152\" data-cid=\"9829574\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908152-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/95\/74\/320x180_cmsv2_b4719c29-5faa-528f-b771-5355a0acbe53-9829574.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Denmark&apos;s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrives for the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. 8 July, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Greenland is not for sale&#8217; Denmark&#8217;s Frederiksen reminds Trump<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908167-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908167\" data-cid=\"9829615\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908167-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/96\/15\/320x180_cmsv2_807f8d45-fd50-5988-a0f1-2c24131bd53b-9829615.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian air attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, July 8, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seven people killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine ahead of NATO talks<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" data-cid=\"9827608\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The five fastest-growing economies in Europe over the next five years<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907901-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907901\" data-cid=\"9828296\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament to ask for probe into FIFA boss Infantino<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908051-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908051\" data-cid=\"9829078\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prince Harry loses London High Court privacy case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907889-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907889\" data-cid=\"9828209\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Overturn this\u2019: Belgian team and fans mock Donald Trump and FIFA<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908089-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908089\" data-cid=\"9829297\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says ceasefire with Iran &#8216;over&#8217; after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">A fake newspaper cover claiming the &#8220;West hates the East&#8221;. AI-generated television reports suggesting western German landlords would rather rent to foreigners than eastern Germans, and videos falsely claiming that most young Germans want East Germany restored.These images and videos mimic the branding of some of Germany&#8217;s best-known media organisations, such as Spiegel TV, Bild and T-Online, as well as research organisations such as the Institute for the Study of War.However, they are not genuine.Researchers from the collective Antibot4Navalny, which tracks online influence operations, have identified at least 49 fake videos, 12 falsified newspaper covers and one image claiming to show fake graffiti during the first week of the campaign, which is being promoted on X, Bluesky and TikTok.This campaign repeatedly promotes the underlying narrative that Germany is increasingly divided between its East and West.Multiple posts claim eastern Germans are unfairly treated or politically marginalised, whilst others cite false statistics falsely claiming support for restoring East Germany or suggesting west Germans discriminate against east Germans in housing and other areas.Antibot4Navalny says the campaign bears hallmarks of belonging to &#8220;Matryoshka&#8221;, a disinformation and influence network European authorities have previously linked to pro-Russian influence activity.Matryoshka campaigns are known for mimicking and impersonating credible sources such as news outlets, think-tanks and research organisations \u2014 spreading false claims that aim to appear credible.Researchers say this campaign has deliberately focused on eastern Germany and seeks to exploit societal and political tensions ahead of two key state elections in September.The country is closely watching the elections in eastern states Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as both are considered an important test for the popularity of current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s governing coalition between the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).In both, recent polling indicates that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is ahead. The party itself hopes to win more than 40% of the vote share, a result that would put it within reach of an outright majority and strengthen its chances of leading a state government for the first time.Why East versus West?Lea Fr\u00fchwirth, a senior researcher at the German non-profit extremist monitoring agency, the Centre for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS), says foreign influence campaigns often seek to amplify existing social divisions rather than invent entirely new ones.&#8221;Foreign influence campaigns aim to destabilise targeted societies,&#8221; she told Euronews&#8217; verification team, The Cube. &#8220;It is common practice to attempt this by fuelling polarised debate on sensitive topics and hot-button issues.&#8221;Although Germany has been reunified for more than three decades, Fr\u00fchwirth says differences in identity and lingering grievances mean East-West divisions remain politically sensitive.&#8221;Reunification did not take place at eye level, and many people in the East report profound grievances at the hands of West German people,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Structural differences persist to this day.&#8221;&#8221;There&#8217;s also the political aspect to it: Russian and pro-Russian communication around German elections favours pro-Russian parties, such as the far-right AfD, and tends to badmouth others,&#8221; she added.Fr\u00fchwirth says campaigns such as this seek to exploit existing grievances by pitting groups against one another and deepening political polarisation.Whether campaigns like this ultimately influence voting behaviour is difficult to measure, as is their actual reach, with reports suggesting that the campaign inflates viewership numbers on posts to make it seem like they have more engagement than in reality.It&#8217;s not the first time German elections have been targeted by influence campaigns linked to Russia. During the 2025 federal elections, authorities and researchers documented several campaigns, including Doppelg\u00e4nger, Storm-1516 and Matryoshka, that sought to spread false narratives and impersonate trusted news organisations.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/07\/08\/fake-videos-exploit-germanys-east-west-divide-before-key-elections&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/72\/35\/1200x675_cmsv2_28a986f3-51f0-56df-8978-c8a5e861bb88-9827235.jpg&#8221;] Health news Spanish strawberries, the least contaminated in the EU Iran Gulf states brace again for fiery US-Iran showdown as tensions spiral Europe News European Parliament condemns Zelenskyy for UPA diplomatic row Travel News ETIAS: Will Europe\u2019s new \u20ac20 travel authorisation system be delayed? Health news Spanish strawberries, the least contaminated in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2032601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2032601"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032601\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2032601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2032601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2032601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}