Moscow accuses EU of plotting to disrupt September elections

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Monday that the European Union is orchestrating a multi-pronged campaign to disrupt the country's upcoming parliamentary elections, accusing European governments of encouraging attacks on Russian territory and planning cyber operations against election infrastructure.

Allegations of interference

The agency alleged that European countries had pressed Ukraine to intensify strikes inside Russia and were discussing possible cyberattacks targeting voting systems. European governments are also coordinating with Russian opposition groups based abroad to encourage voters to boycott the parliamentary elections and mount legal challenges to the results after the vote, the SVR said.

Kremlin dismissal

According to the SVR, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament could draft statements rejecting the election results, citing alleged violations during the campaign and preparation phases. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has extensive experience with such interference attempts. "Provocative efforts have existed, do exist and will continue to exist. We have plenty of experience in this regard," he said, adding that relevant authorities would take all necessary measures to safeguard the electoral process.

Peskov downplayed the significance of potential European non-recognition, saying: "Whether the Europeans recognize our elections or not is a matter of secondary importance." Russia is scheduled to hold elections for the ninth State Duma from Sept. 18-20, with all 450 seats in the lower house contested alongside regional and local votes across the country.