Russia targets pro-Ukraine French candidates with disinformation campaigns
French agency detects hundreds of operations; expert warns fakes could gain reach
Russian-linked disinformation campaigns are targeting pro-Ukraine candidates in France's upcoming presidential election, according to Viginum and disinformation experts. The campaigns have spread false claims aimed at damaging Raphaël Glucksmann, Gabriel Attal and Edouard Philippe, while an expert identifies erosion of trust in democratic institutions as a chief goal.