Spain blames Russia for disinformation campaign following 2024 Valencia floods

As reported by El País, the revelation comes from Spain’s annual national security report, prepared by the Department of National Security under the Prime Minister’s Office. The report directly attributes the disinformation campaign to Russian-linked actors.

“Following the storm Dana on October 29, 2024, the pro-Kremlin disinformation ecosystem seized the opportunity to amplify and adapt pre-existing narratives to serve its interests,” the report states.

According to the document, pro-Russian actors aimed to erode public trust in official institutions, delegitimize support for Ukraine by suggesting aid should instead go to flood-affected Spanish regions, and paint Spain as a country descending into chaos.

The report identifies disinformation as one of the key threats to national security, warning that “the Kremlin has used — and will continue to use — crises such as pandemics, elections, and natural disasters to advance its strategic goals.”

• The United Kingdom, together with allies including the United States, issued a warning about a Russia-sponsored cyber campaign aimed at disrupting aid to Ukraine, as well as targeting Western logistics networks and tech companies.