Moscow alleges EU plot to disrupt Russia’s September elections

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the European Union of preparing a “large-scale” campaign to interfere in the country’s upcoming legislative elections, scheduled for September 18–20.

According to the SVR, representatives of European intelligence agencies are planning cyberattacks against Russia’s electoral infrastructure in coordination with Ukrainian counterparts. The agency also alleged that European intelligence services have encouraged Ukraine to “intensify sabotage and terrorist attacks” inside Russia.

The claims, made by the SVR’s press bureau, accused Western countries of seeking to disrupt the voting process and undermine the legitimacy of the election results.

The Russian intelligence service further alleged that the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, a separate international human rights organization rather than an EU institution, are preparing to declare the elections illegitimate.

The SVR claimed that such a move would be justified by alleged “gross violations during their preparation and conduct.”

By Vafa Guliyeva