Russian disinformation network Storm-1516 accused of targeting French presidential candidate Édouard Philippe with fake health claims

Meduza reports that Russia's Storm-1516 disinformation network targeted French presidential candidate Édouard Philippe with false health claims circulating on social media this week. Philippe, former prime minister from twenty seventeen to twenty twenty and current mayor of Le Havre, announced his candidacy in September twenty twenty-four. The Storm-1516 network, active since twenty twenty-three and linked to Russian military intelligence, has previously interfered in elections across the United States, Germany, and Hungary. These campaigns often escape notice because the narratives—like the health claims aimed at Philippe—are easy to debunk, yet they persist nonetheless as the French presidential race approaches April twenty twenty-seven.

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