Russian disinformation campaigns have portrayed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his government as warmongers. He said that it is too early to attribute the explosive-laden drone to Russia as investigations are still ongoing. But he added that Moscow is clearly waging a broad hybrid campaign targeting the region ahead of next month’s votes. “This could be the first time right-wing populists come to power,” Meister said. “There is a major campaign underway on the Russian side to influence these elections in favor of the AfD and the BSW,” he added.