Russia puts France at center of its propaganda campaign, French minister says
Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister Delegate for Europe (photo: Getty Images)
France has become a major target of Russian disinformation and propaganda operations. Moscow is also using the internet to spread pro-Russian messages, Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister Delegate for Europe, said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Russia spreads disinformation
Haddad noted that pro-Russian messages are also being spread through online disinformation. He stressed that foreign interference affects democracies across Europe.
According to the French official, France is heavily targeted by Russian disinformation and propaganda operations.
Why Russia is targeting France
Haddad linked Moscow's focus on France to the country's role in European security.
"France is very much targeted by disinformation and propaganda operations from Russia, probably because they know that we are a big supporter and a key player in Europe when it comes to security issues. But it's been the same for our neighbors," said Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister Delegate for Europe.
The French minister called for remaining calm and continuing to counter foreign interference and hybrid warfare.
"I think in moments like this, you need to keep calm and carry on. We need to defend ourselves against interference, against hybrid warfare. We need to continue what we're doing for our security and for the security of Ukrainians, and keep going in the long run," Haddad said.
Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister Delegate for Europe, also said that Paris would continue supporting Ukraine after Emmanuel Macron's presidential term ends.
