Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets France Through More Than 200 Websites

Russian disinformation operations targeting France have escalated dramatically, with investigators uncovering more than 200 new fraudulent media websites designed to manipulate French public opinion. According to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, which operates under the country’s National Security and Defense Council, at least 140 of these sites are crafted to mimic established French news outlets while subtly altering content to advance pro-Kremlin narratives.

The sophisticated network has been linked to “Operation Storm-1516,” also known as “Doppelgänger,” a coordinated disinformation campaign reportedly orchestrated by John Mark Dugan, who security officials identify as a key operative behind the Kremlin’s influence operations across Europe. This campaign follows patterns observed in a previously identified network called “CopyCop,” which authorities say was also directed by Dugan.

Security experts describe a sophisticated operation that deploys artificial intelligence to generate thousands of articles published on counterfeit websites. These fabricated stories are meticulously designed to mirror the style and appearance of legitimate French news sources, creating a veneer of credibility that helps the disinformation rapidly infiltrate mainstream discourse.

“The deceptive practice of disguising propaganda as local journalism allows these fabrications to quickly enter public conversation and shape opinion,” explained a representative from the Ukrainian center. Intelligence officials have noted a marked increase in content production from this network since October, suggesting a deliberate intensification of the campaign.

The timing of this escalation has raised concerns among European security analysts. France, a pivotal NATO member and influential European Union power, maintains a strong stance supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The country has provided significant military, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

According to Ukrainian officials, the Kremlin’s strategic objective appears to be undermining French citizens’ trust in their democratic institutions and specifically targeting President Emmanuel Macron’s administration ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. By sowing discord and amplifying divisive narratives, the campaign seeks to fracture public consensus on key policy issues, including France’s support for Ukraine.

The discovery comes amid growing concerns across Europe about foreign interference in democratic processes. Similar disinformation networks have been identified in other EU member states, reflecting what security experts describe as a coordinated effort to destabilize Western democracies and weaken transatlantic alliances.

The Center for Countering Disinformation characterized the situation as “an urgent warning” for both France and the broader European Union. Officials stressed that without substantial investments in advanced cyber defense capabilities and comprehensive media literacy programs, democratic institutions will remain vulnerable to sophisticated information warfare campaigns.

Media experts have recommended that consumers verify news sources by checking website URLs carefully, cross-referencing information across multiple reliable outlets, and being particularly cautious about inflammatory content that seems designed to provoke strong emotional responses.

The French government has not yet issued a formal response to these specific findings, though Paris has previously acknowledged the threat of foreign disinformation and implemented various countermeasures through its national cybersecurity agency.

This escalation underscores the evolving nature of geopolitical conflict, where information warfare increasingly complements traditional military and economic pressure points. As democratic nations prepare for upcoming electoral cycles, the battle against coordinated disinformation campaigns has become a critical front in defending democratic processes and institutions.