UWC thanks France for exposing Russian influence network

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and the Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) have thanked the French government for dismantling a pro-Kremlin network that was operating under the guise of humanitarian work.

French investigators say the group “SOS Donbas” posed as an aid organization but may have served as a front for activities that have benefited Russia for the past two years. The first complaint was filed by Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Vice President of the Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF). 

“This is a significant blow to the Russian propaganda network. France is sending a strong message to Russia that it will no longer allow Russian agents to operate freely,” Kogutyak said.

“A similar action occurred a few years ago when France shut down Russia Today and Sputnik.” 

French authorities have arrested four individuals, two of whom hold Russian citizenship, on suspicion of spying for a foreign state.

One of those arrested, the association’s founder Anna Novikova, holds dual French and Russian citizenship. Since January, she has been under surveillance by French domestic intelligence on suspicion of collecting intelligence.

“As early as 2023, I filed a complaint with the prosecutor in Pau. At that time, we compiled a full dossier of evidence showing their activities here, including money laundering and transferring funds to occupied Donbas and Russia. This is what is considered foreign interference in France,” the UWC Vice President said.

Kogutyak said that the fight against Kremlin propaganda in France must go on.

“We expect France to work on shutting down other networks. For example, the organization ‘Patriots’ led by Florian Philippot, a former MEP, is planning a rally against France sending its youth to die in Ukraine. They hold these pro-Russian gatherings roughly every three months and continue to push Russian propaganda,” he said.

Kogutyak also mentioned French politician Thierry Mariani, calling him “one of the most consistent pro-Russian figures in the European Parliament.” 

Mariani is closely linked to the association “Franco-Russian Dialogue,” which he co-chairs and which is regarded as a tool of Russian influence, Kogutyak said.