EU countries warn of Russian propaganda increase before bloc elections

France, Poland and Germany have accused Russia on Monday of preparing a detailed network of websites to spread prorus propaganda in order to undermine their governments.

They have also warned that there will be a large distribution of propaganda content before the European Union elections in June.

Western countries have repeatedly accused Russian operatives of using social networks and internet to distribute false or fraudulent data to undermine them, promote Russia, or change public opinion in their countries against Ukraine's support in its fight from the Russian occupation.

“We are at a significant time when we will have European elections and, as far as France is concerned, hosting the” Olympic Games, said France's Foreign Minister Stephanie Seyourne, during a joint media conference with his counterparts, German and Polish counterparts in Paris.

The ministers said they have established a joint mechanism to observe and respond to possible Russian cyber attacks.

Reuters reported that according to diplomatic sources, V IGINUM, the French examiner who monitors foreign digital interventions, has identified about 193 websites that aim to widely distribute data from prorus sources, as well as from Russian media and institutions.

“The goal seems to be to cover the Russia-Ukrainian conflict by presenting special military operation positively and disparaging Ukraine and its leaders, a French diplomat said, referring to the Moscow term for Ukraine's unprotested invasion.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied spreading false or deceptive data. Russia's Security Council had described as absurd the accusations that Moscow had made propaganda with false information to influence voters during the 2019 European Parliament elections.

France in particular has criticised Russian activists in Africa, saying actors associated with Moscow have tried to depreciate Paris in West Africa, in regular media and social networks. / REL/