German Government Accuses Russia of Cyberattacks and Disinformation During 2025 Bundestag Election

The German government has formally accused Russia of orchestrating a large-scale cyberattack on the country's air traffic control system as well as conducting a disinformation campaign aimed at influencing the 2025 Bundestag elections. On December 12, 2025, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office in Berlin to address these serious allegations.

According to reports, a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry revealed that there is substantial evidence linking Russia to these efforts, which include repeated sabotage, cyber intrusions, and coordinated disinformation tactics targeting German society and its institutions. The cyberattack in question occurred in August 2024 and is attributed to the Russian hacker group “Fancy Bear” and Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.

The disinformation campaign, identified by German authorities as “Storm 1516,” is said to have involved the spread of artificially generated research, deepfake images, fake news websites, and fabricated eyewitness statements, all designed to erode trust in democratic processes and destabilize internal affairs. The Russian operations are seen as a direct threat to Germany’s security, seeking to divide society and weaken confidence in governmental institutions.

In response, the German government condemned Russia’s actions and announced plans for countermeasures. These include supporting new sanctions aimed at individuals involved in the cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Potential sanctions cover travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on economic resources. The government also emphasized the importance of vigilance and cooperation with European partners to strengthen defenses against such hybrid threats.

This diplomatic move reflects Germany's heightened concern over the impact of Russian cyber operations on national security and democratic integrity. Summoning the Russian ambassador is part of a broader strategy to hold Moscow accountable and safeguard Germany's political processes ahead of future elections.

The German government’s decisive actions underscore the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the increasing importance of cyber and information security in the modern political landscape.