Russia escalates cyber warfare ahead of French election

Russia is escalating its information warfare targeting France as the 2027 presidential election approaches. French authorities have identified smear campaigns directed at several leading candidates, orchestrated by Russian intelligence services. The objective, according to experts, is to sow division and polarization within French society.

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The aim is to divide and polarize.

In late July and early August, anonymous social media accounts on platforms like X and TikTok spread false information about prominent politicians. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a leading contender, was falsely accused of suffering from Parkinson's disease. Similarly, Édouard Philippe, another strong candidate, was targeted with claims of dementia. EU Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann, a vocal critic of Russia, also faced a smear campaign that included false accusations against his wife.

Glucksmann publicly stated that he was targeted by a group named Storm1516, directly orchestrated by Russia's GRU military intelligence. France's Viginum agency, tasked with combating foreign online influence, has linked these campaigns to networks connected to the GRU. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, disinformation campaigns against France and other EU nations have surged, with France being the most targeted European country after Ukraine.

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The Authority for Defense and National Security (SGDSN) has informed me that I was the target of an attack carried out by the group Storm1516, directly orchestrated by the GRU (the Russian military intelligence service).

Experts cite France's significant role within the EU and NATO, and its sustained support for Ukraine, as key reasons for being a Russian target. The country's internal political polarization, with the rise of far-right parties, also presents an opportunity for Russia to influence the nation toward a more pro-Russian stance. Recent polls suggest far-right politician Marine Le Pen could win the upcoming election, despite her party's recent efforts to distance itself from Moscow.

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France is a large and important EU and NATO country that has supported Ukraine for a long time. It is, of course, a red flag for Russia.