Czech Intelligence Bust Major Russian Propaganda Network

Czech intelligence has busted a Moscow-financed network that spread Russian propaganda and wielded influence across Europe, including in the European Parliament, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday.

The group used the Prague-based Voice of Europe news site to spread information seeking to discourage the European Union from sending aid to Ukraine, which has been battling a Russian invasion since February 2022.

Fiala said the Czech Security Information Service (BIS) discovered that the pro-Russian network was indulging in activities that “would have a serious impact on the security of the Czech Republic and the EU.”

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

“The group’s activity… also reaches the European Parliament,” he said, refusing to disclose further details.

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

The BIS said the network was financed from Russia and operating on Czech territory.

“The BIS operation unveiled how Russia is wielding influence on the territory of EU member states and how it is trying to affect political processes in our countries,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

Fiala’s government has added the Voice of Europe and two pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politicians — Viktor Medvedchuk and Artyom Marchevsky — to its sanctions list in relation to the network’s activities.

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

The BIS said the network was financed from Russia and operating on Czech territory.

“The BIS operation unveiled how Russia is wielding influence on the territory of EU member states and how it is trying to affect political processes in our countries,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

Fiala’s government has added the Voice of Europe and two pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politicians — Viktor Medvedchuk and Artyom Marchevsky — to its sanctions list in relation to the network’s activities.

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