DISINFO: NATO preparing provocateurs to orchestrate unlawful actions during the Russian election campaign
SUMMARY
The State Duma Commission (responsible for investigating instances of foreign states' interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation) has documented the activation of NATO intelligence services in relation to the commencement of the election campaign.
The Commission has documented an escalation in the activities of NATO country intelligence services, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under their influence, and "agents of influence" in connection with the onset of the presidential election campaign in Russia. Efforts are being made to orchestrate unlawful activities within Russia's territory during the election campaign.
Provocateurs are undergoing training, with training sessions taking place in the Baltic countries and Georgia. Trainings are carried out for “pseudo-observers”, as well as for so-called journalists in exile. This activity is supported and financed, among others, by the German Foreign Ministry.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West of election meddling, anti-Russian policies, and allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia.
The purpose is to work up fear, paranoia and animosity among the Russian population towards western countries.
No credible evidence was provided to back the claim that provocateurs are being trained by intelligence services under the disguise as jounalists or election observers. Russia has for several years refused to properly invite OSCE election observers for elections in Russia. The last time OSCE observed elections in Russia was in 2018.
Russia has been known to repeatedly accuse others of actions it carries out itself. There have been multiple reports documenting Russia's interference in the elections and referendums of democratic countries. Russian interference in the US 2020 election has been established beyond doubt not only by US intelligence but also by law enforcement officials, journalists and researchers. Read also the report "Five European Experiences With Russian Election Interference", about the Russian meddling in the elections campaigns in France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden.
See other similar cases: The US and its satellite PACE are interfering in the 2024 Russian elections; The West ran a campaign to discredit the State Duma election; EU countries, not Russia, interfered in US elections 2016 and 2020.