France accuses Russia of faking websites to sow confusion about Ukraine war

The Internet Research Agency. This building on 55 Savushkina Street in Saint Petersburg, Russia, EU and US authorities claim, originally housed the "Russian troll factory" from where disinformation was spread over the internet. The building is now for rent. © Wikimedia commons

France’s government accused Russia on Tuesday of operating a long-running online manipulation campaign, including impersonating the websites of leading French media and the French Foreign Ministry, aimed at spreading confusion and false information about the war in Ukraine.

The French agency responsible for fighting foreign digital interference, Viginum, said it has monitored the alleged operation since soon after Russia invaded its neighbor and that France was one of several European countries targeted.