Raphaël Glucksmann Hit by Russian Disinformation Ahead of 2027 Election

Raphaël Glucksmann Russian disinformation Storm-1516 2027 French election fake video

A fabricated video mimicking the media outlet Blast falsely claimed that TV presenter Léa Salamé attempted to bribe journalists to promote her husband Raphaël Glucksmann’s 2027 presidential bid. The clip used fake audio of journalist Edwy Plenel and Salomé Saqué.

Glucksmann confirmed he was the target of a Russian disinformation operation. French authorities, through the SGDSN and the monitoring agency Viginum, identified the Russian‑linked group Storm‑1516, associated with the GRU, as responsible. The operation was detected in late July.

The incident raises concerns about further digital interference in the upcoming French election, echoing previous Russian meddling in the 2024 Romanian presidential race. France is preparing legislation to combat election‑time fake news.

Entities: Léa Salamé · Raphaël Glucksmann · Russian GRU · SGDSN · Storm-1516 · Storm‑1516 · Viginum

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] The video used fabricated audio of journalist Edwy Plenel and Salomé Saqué. (a7a2800e-42d8-4068-9c67-33077e0093ee, ef228ce4-3fca-4d78-b2ac-158393d9d8e0)
[● 2 SOURCES] The operation is part of broader concerns about Russian digital interference, referencing the 2024 Romanian election meddling. (8f7d7252-bb9b-444e-9345-949439f841dc, ee5592df-acbc-461a-87da-0e960880555f)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Glucksmann warned the attack is a preview of further targeting of democratic pro‑European candidates. (ef228ce4-3fca-4d78-b2ac-158393d9d8e0)
[● 3 SOURCES] Raphaël Glucksmann confirmed he was targeted by a Russian disinformation operation. (ef228ce4-3fca-4d78-b2ac-158393d9d8e0, 8f7d7252-bb9b-444e-9345-949439f841dc, ee5592df-acbc-461a-87da-0e960880555f)
[● 2 SOURCES] Viginum, the French agency monitoring foreign digital interference, detected the operation in late July. (8f7d7252-bb9b-444e-9345-949439f841dc, ee5592df-acbc-461a-87da-0e960880555f)
[● 2 SOURCES] A fabricated video impersonating media Blast accused Léa Salamé of attempting to bribe media to promote Raphaël Glucksmann’s candidacy. (a7a2800e-42d8-4068-9c67-33077e0093ee, ef228ce4-3fca-4d78-b2ac-158393d9d8e0)
[● 3 SOURCES] French authorities identified the Russian‑linked group Storm‑1516, associated with the GRU, as responsible for the operation. (ef228ce4-3fca-4d78-b2ac-158393d9d8e0, 8f7d7252-bb9b-444e-9345-949439f841dc, ee5592df-acbc-461a-87da-0e960880555f)
[○ 1 SOURCE] France is preparing legislation to combat fake information during elections. (ef228ce4-3fca-4d78-b2ac-158393d9d8e0)