German security sources say Russian-backed disinformation campaigns are intensifying in the run-up to upcoming state elections. The sources report that the campaigns often target local political rivals of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The reports describe a pattern of influence efforts ahead of the ballots, with the aim of shaping public debate in Germany’s political landscape. One outlet adds that opinion polls indicate the AfD could make significant gains in the next month’s vote in Berlin. It also notes that the AfD leader has pledged to restore Germany’s ties with Russia, a position that is referenced in connection with the broader electoral context. Taken together, the reporting says the disinformation activity is escalating as the election date approaches and that security officials link the efforts to Russian backing. The accounts do not provide specific examples of the content or the precise channels used, but they align on the timing (ahead of the elections) and the general targeting focus (AfD-related local competitors).