Russia’s Covert Campaign in Germany Targets EU Support for Ukraine’s Defense

A new Reuters investigation reveals a Russia-linked campaign in Germany the objective of which is to infiltrate protest movements within the European Union and weaken support for governments supplying arms to Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

An exhibit, often bearing the name of “Alley of Angels,” part of the “Children of War ” campaign, shows black and white images of children allegedly killed in Russia’s war in Ukraine. The banners were reported to have appeared in German city squares since June 4, 2022.

The news agency stated that the exhibit was framed as a plea to end the war and the suffering of innocent people, with the key message of the overall campaign being to stop allies from sending weapons to Ukraine.

According to documents shared with Reuters by two European intelligence sources, the Kremlin-linked network sought to infiltrate protest movements across the EU and weaken support for governments arming Ukraine against Russia.

The intercepted reports, sent by network members in Germany to their Moscow handler, allegedly included photos of the Alley of Angels exhibit at political protests and updates on the campaign’s progress.

Reuters investigation exposes a network of individuals, some with ties to the Russian state, working to advance the Kremlin’s agenda in Germany.

According to the investigation, the most visible figure behind the exhibit in Germany is Soviet-born schoolteacher Oksana Walter, who told the outlet that neither she nor the Children of War campaign have ties to the Russian state. She has allegedly been assisted by at least two other Soviet emigrants.

Additionally, the outlet stated that the campaign’s backers include a Russian news outlet led by a retired GRU  colonel, which has promoted the Alley of Angels exhibit.

These reports come as German intelligence warns of rising Russian espionage and sabotage, with officials forming a task force to counter foreign election interference.

Previously, potential threats to the Bundestag election on February 23 have emerged, attributed to Russian interference and sabotage. A January 23 article in BILD cites intelligence analyses indicating that Russian operatives spent €2 billion for disinformation campaigns last year, with a similar budget expected for this year.