France uncovers major disinformation campaign by Russia: fake news was published allegedly on behalf of well-known media outlets

France24 covers the story.

It is noted that Western countries were concerned about the intensification of Russian disinformation campaigns. The reason is that Russia seeks to influence public opinion around the world through a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"France condemns these actions unworthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council," Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said. "The French authorities are working closely with their partners to defeat the hybrid warfare led by Russia." 

France has for several years sounded the alarm over alleged Russian disinformation campaigns in areas of Francophone Africa, particularly those where the Russian mercenary group Wagner has been active.

It is noted that over the past several years, France has been struggling with unpredictable Russian disinformation campaigns in the regions of French-speaking Africa. In particular, this applies to those places where the Russian mercenary group Wagner PMC was active.

• On June 12, an internal investigation was launched in New Zealand against an employee of the National Radio of New Zealand (RNZ), as evidence emerged that he had added pro-Russian comments to news about Ukraine.