Russia on Tuesday rejected claims that it is trying to influence France's upcoming presidential election, calling the allegations anti-Russian propaganda. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said a French government report on suspected Russian election interference was itself a hostile fabrication.
The remarks came as French prosecutors opened an investigation into suspected disinformation campaigns targeting two former prime ministers now running for president, Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, along with centre-left candidate Raphael Glucksmann.
French intelligence services say Russia has carried out 205 information operations inside France since August 2023. Zakharova countered by suggesting that some candidates are using the perceived Russian threat as a campaign tool to win over voters.