French intelligence has released data on Russia’s large-scale espionage and sabotage activities against France. L’Express published details of a 16-page report titled “Russian Threats and Actions Against France”. The document refers to cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage, and attempts to influence political processes.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been acting more aggressively. French intelligence claims that Russia is helping Iran develop missiles that could potentially reach France.
Russian spies have targeted scientific institutions dealing with defense technologies, including lasers. French engineers report that Russians have stolen equipment during their trips abroad.
Russian officers under diplomatic cover are establishing ties to gather political information and influence French-European debates.
“No meeting is neutral anymore,” the intelligence services warn.
In 2023-2024, Russia hacked several accounts of the French Ministry of Defense. It also exposed a scheme to illegally supply semiconductors from France to the Russian army.
French services are investigating a cyberattack on energy infrastructure. In April 2024, hackers attacked the Coulandon hydroelectric power plant. The attack is linked to Russian special services.
In July 2024, a Russian man was accused of preparing a terrorist attack during the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris. Intelligence believes that it was more of a demonstration of capabilities than an attempt at a real attack.
In 2023, the attackers targeted KNDS France (formerly Nexter), a company that manufactures CAESAR artillery systems. Official correspondence on the supply of this equipment to Ukraine was stolen.
On February 24, 2022, an hour before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia disabled about 40,000 Viasat modems, causing disruptions to emergency services in France.
According to French intelligence, Russian services distorted GPS coordinates in an attempt to disorient French aircraft.
After the strikes on Ukraine with the Oreshnik missiles, French intelligence believes that there is a real risk of Russia using nuclear weapons.
“For us, this is not a bluff, not just a communication strategy. A nuclear strike is a scenario that Putin is seriously considering,” France emphasizes.
Another area of Russian aggression is disinformation. Russia is massively spreading fake news, videos, and statements, including using artificial intelligence, to discredit France in the international arena.