Russian disinformation networks are already targeting potential contenders in France’s 2027 presidential election, using deepfakes, fabricated media reports and false claims about politicians’ health and alleged corruption, according to an analysis by Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications.
France has become the second-most targeted country for Russian foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), behind only Ukraine, according to the European External Action Service’s fourth threat report, published in March 2026.
The new report, shared by state media Ukrinform, recorded 107 major Russian information attacks targeting France in 2025, compared with 112 against Ukraine.
The campaign has intensified as France prepares for its April 18, 2027 presidential election. A second round is scheduled for May 2 if required. President Emmanuel Macron, who has served two terms, is constitutionally barred from seeking another.
Russian-linked networks have already targeted three potential successors: former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and European Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann.
One of the first identified operations was Storm-1516, a Russian disinformation network known for fabricated videos, deepfakes and false testimonies.
The network targeted Philippe, the former prime minister and mayor of Le Havre, with false claims about his health.
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