France suspects Russian interference in presidential election

French security authorities have detected signs of Russian interference ahead of next year's presidential election, with a disinformation campaign targeting Kremlin critic and likely presidential candidate Raphaël Glucksmann. The operation, uncovered last week, has been traced to the propaganda network Storm-1516, which is associated with Russian intelligence services.

Glucksmann himself stated on social media that "Russian security services have begun their operations to destabilize the election campaign for 2027." He explained that a fabricated story about him appeared on a website mimicking the reputable online media outlet Blast. This fake story included forged documents, AI-reproduced voices, and a completely falsified video. "The goal is to make a complete lie go viral to defame personalities considered hostile by the Russian regime," Glucksmann said, a politician who has repeatedly and sharply criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine.

This is not the first time Storm-1516 has been linked to such activities. Last month, the network also targeted former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who is also considering a presidential run. According to security sources, false information about Philippe's health was spread on social networks. Philippe, a center-right politician, is seen as a strong contender against the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) led by Marine Le Pen, who currently holds the best chances for a victory despite her past conviction for embezzlement of EU funds.

Similar patterns of suspected Russian disinformation were also registered by German security authorities before last year's federal election, with findings also pointing to a connection with Storm-1516. The French authorities' discovery highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference in European elections.