The Czechs have uncovered a large Russian propaganda network targeting even the European Parliament

The organization used the Prague-based news website Voice of Europe to spread information aimed at dissuading the European Union from sending aid to Ukraine fighting a Russian invasion.

Mr Fiala said the Czech Security Intelligence Service (BIS) had found that the pro-Russian network was engaged in activities that “have a serious impact on the security of the Czech Republic and the EU”.

“This organization sought to carry out operations and activities on the territory of the EU, directed against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,” P. Fiala told reporters.

“The group’s activities … also reach the European Parliament,” he said, declining to give further details.

Czech authorities have sanctioned some of those involved, but Voice of Europe continues to publish articles.

The BIS said the network was funded by Russia and operated on Czech territory.

“The BIS operation revealed how Russia exerts influence on the territory of EU member states and how it tries to influence political processes in our countries,” the service’s account on the X platform reads.

Mr. Fiala’s government added Voice of Europe and two pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politicians, Viktor Medvedchuk and Artyom Marchevsky, to a sanctions list linked to the propaganda network’s activities.

The Denik N daily said the news site had published statements by politicians demanding that the EU suspend aid to Ukraine.

Some European politicians cooperating with the news site were paid by Russian funds, which in some cases financed their 2024 EU election campaign, according to a Czech daily.

The payments were made to politicians in Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Poland, Denik N writes, citing a source in the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also singled out Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as being involved.

Marčevskis was responsible for Voice of Europe’s content and communication with politicians, the daily said.