France has reported a new Russian disinformation attack against a potential presidential candidate
Kyiv • UNN
French authorities have uncovered the Storm-1516 network, linked to the GRU, which created a fake website to discredit Raphaël Glucksmann. The network is accused of 205 disinformation operations in Europe.
MEP Raphaël Glucksmann said he became the target of a Russian disinformation operation, which, according to French authorities, was carried out by the Storm-1516 network under the direction of Russian military intelligence GRU. This is reported by Le Figaro, writes UNN.
Details
According to the politician, he was informed of the attack by the French General Secretariat for Defense and National Security (SGDSN). Glucksmann noted that the operation was detected, tracked, and its connection to Russian intelligence services was established.
We will not allow hostile foreign states to steal elections that are so crucial for the future of France"
Fake website and discrediting campaign
According to the publication, the pro-Russian network created a fake news website that imitates the French online outlet Blast. It published false material claiming that journalist Léa Salamé allegedly tried to bribe the media to create a positive image of her husband Raphaël Glucksmann.
To enhance credibility, the campaign's authors used forged documents, impersonated well-known journalists, and applied artificial intelligence technologies.
According to Glucksmann, the goal of such operations is to make "absolute lies go viral and discredit people whom the Russian regime considers its enemies."
French media note that at the end of July, the same Storm-1516 network had already conducted a disinformation campaign against former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, spreading false information about his health condition.
According to the French service Viginum, which counters foreign digital interference, the Storm-1516 network is attributed with 205 disinformation operations conducted since August 2023 in France and other European countries. Glucksmann warned that foreign state interference could become one of the main threats during the French presidential campaign in 2027.