France reports massive Russian propaganda attacks before European Parliament elections
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Almost all European Union countries have become targets for Russian internet propaganda ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections, set to take place in early June, according to the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot.
Barrot said that the efforts of the French government to combat foreign interference and disinformation have revealed over 30 new websites spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda across Europe.
This complements the already identified 193 domains.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 25 out of the 27 EU member states have been subjected to such attacks in recent months.
The French Secretary of State for European Affairs said that these internet operations are aimed at destabilizing public opinion ahead of the voting.
Speaking to journalists alongside his German and Polish counterparts, he called on social platforms to block websites involved in foreign interference operations.
Russian hybrid attacks
According to British intelligence, Russia plans to target Moldova with a wave of so-called hybrid attacks ahead of the presidential elections and the referendum on joining the European Union.
As we reported earlier, Russia printed ballots for "presidential elections" in Transnistria. In response, Moldova summoned the Russian ambassador for explanations.
Also recently, Russian propaganda launched another fake story about Ukraine. In particular, that Kyiv is preparing to start negotiations with the Kremlin in June.
Russia also attempts to spread panic among Ukrainians with fakes about the advance of Russian troops into the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
