PARIS: Russia’s accusation final week that France was funding mercenaries to struggle in Ukraine has been extensively echoed on social media, however French officers see it as the beginning of a brand new disinformation marketing campaign.
The dispute started when the Russian defence ministry stated on Jan 17 that it had carried out a “precision strike” on a short lived base for international fighters within the japanese Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv, saying the majority of them have been “French mercenaries”.
With out offering proof, the ministry claimed that dozens of international nationals have been killed within the assault and lots of wounded. On Wednesday, the Russian parliament adopted a decision slamming the presences of French “mercenaries” in Ukraine.
However in a rising data battle between Paris and Moscow performed out on social media, the French international ministry has vehemently denied the declare, calling it “one other clumsy Russian manipulation”.
“France has no ‘mercenaries’ both in Ukraine or anyplace else, in contrast to some individuals,” it added, referring to actions of Russian mercenaries in Ukraine and likewise the Center East and Africa.
“WIDELY AVAILABLE”
France has repeatedly accused Russia of disinformation assaults.
In June, Paris pointed to an enormous digital affect operation publishing anti-Ukraine content material on web sites imitating main French newspapers. One such article claimed France would introduce a brand new tax to finance its help to Kyiv.
One pro-Russian outfit based mostly in France, SOS Donbass, on Monday printed by way of the Russian information company Ria Novosti an inventory naming 13 alleged “French mercenaries” it claims have been in Kharkiv on the time of the Russian strike.
“Essentially the most essential data – alive or useless, rank, and so forth – shall be launched later, in addition to additional names,” stated SOS Donbass chief Anna Novikova, who holds French and Russian nationality.
A second record of 30 alleged French “mercenaries” can be being shared by way of the Telegram messaging app.
“Each lists are extensively obtainable on social networks” and have been unfold by dozens of pro-Russian websites, a French supply acquainted with the case acknowledged.
Moscow’s selection of the phrase “mercenary” implies that France is breaking its personal legislation in opposition to its residents working overseas as guns-for-hire – against the law punishable by 5 years in jail and a advantageous of €75,000 (US$81,000).
