Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —The Czech government revealed a Moscow-financed propaganda operation on March 27, targeting European politics and public opinion. The network aimed to undermine support for Ukraine and influence the European Parliament elections.
Prague identified Viktor Medvedchuk, a Kremlin-linked former Ukrainian oligarch, and Artem Marchevskyi, a media manager tied to Medvedchuk, as the masterminds. The operation centered on the pro-Russian Voice of Europe website and included funding Moscow-friendly politicians across Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
Reports from Denik N and Spiegel disclosed that hundreds of thousands of euros, delivered via cash and cryptocurrency, were used to sway political actors. The funds amplified anti-Ukrainian narratives, presenting halting arms shipments as a means to end the war.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the operation, stating it aimed to manipulate public trust and spread disinformation. She praised the Czech government for exposing the network before the European elections, calling it a “blow against the Russian propaganda apparatus.”
Experts warn such efforts exploit Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as agents of influence. Matej Kandrík, director of the Adapt Institute, highlighted how MEPs can use their roles to build influence networks, disseminate political messaging, and disrupt EU processes.
These revelations underscore the Kremlin’s persistent efforts to destabilize European unity and democratic institutions, intensifying calls for vigilance ahead of the elections.
