Bearing False Narratives: Russian Propaganda Spins Tale of Merz in Canada's Woods - Unveiled: Alleged Fabrication of Merz Polar Bear Hunt Incident in Canada by Russian Propaganda
A disturbing video circulating online claims to show German Chancellor Friedrich Merz kneeling on a dead seal with a hunting rifle in hand, surrounded by dead polar bears. However, this video, likely generated by AI, is part of a larger disinformation campaign originating from Russian state media and pro-Kremlin online outlets.
The perpetrators of this campaign include Russian state television channels such as Russia Today (RT) and official media outlets like TASS and RIA Novosti. These channels have engaged in systematic propaganda efforts, analyzing and distorting Western officials' statements to benefit Moscow’s narrative. Russia also reportedly uses artificial intelligence tools to amplify fake news and propaganda targeting Western politicians, including Merz.
The false report alleges that Merz went on a hunting trip in Canada, where he is said to have killed seals, a polar bear, and its cubs. However, no credible evidence has been presented to support these claims. The location of the hunt, according to the report, is on the southern coast of Southampton Island at the northern edge of Hudson Bay.
John Mark Dougan, a US citizen, is said to play a crucial role in this disinformation campaign. Reports from various US media, including Bild, t-online, Washington Post, and News Guard, suggest that Dougan is behind a Russian network that spreads fake stories on invented local news sites. The campaign involves the use of real journalists and locations, but it is likely fabricated.
"Storm-1516," a propaganda group, is alleged to be responsible for the invented polar bear hunt story about Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This group has previously spread fake news about Merz, Baerbock, Habeck, Harris, and Zelensky.
This disinformation campaign is part of a broader Russian strategy to undermine Western unity and weaken political figures who support Ukraine, especially in NATO countries. Other Western leaders, such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron, have also been targets of similar disinformation efforts designed to ridicule and erode their credibility.
In response to these ongoing efforts, NATO countries, including Germany, have taken steps to limit public information about military support to Ukraine to counteract Moscow’s propaganda advantages. This reflects a consistent pattern of Russian disinformation aimed at destabilizing Western political landscapes and weakening support for Ukraine.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive concerning the ongoing disinformation campaign involving Western politicians, such as Friedrich Merz, as part of politics and general-news reports. This campaign, originating from Russian state media and pro-Kremlin online outlets, includes local news sites run by a network led by John Mark Dougan, who is accused of spreading fake stories.
