Belgian prosecutors are looking into possible Russian interference in the upcoming European Parliament election following findings provided by intelligence services, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Friday.
He said investigators found that Russian groups are meddling in the European election to push forward pro-Russia candidates and thus weaken European support for Ukraine against Russia's two-year-old invasion.
"The objective is to help elect more pro-Russian candidates to the European Parliament and reinforce a certain pro-Russian narrative in that institution," De Croo told reporters.
"Weakened European support for Ukraine serves Russia on the battlefield," he said.
De Croo said the Belgian investigation was launched after Czech authorities found pro-Russian agents active in Brussels seeking to influence, and even pay, European lawmakers to promote a pro-Russian agenda.
It appeared that cash payments were not made in Belgium though interference had occurred there, he said.
Western nations have repeatedly accused Russian operatives of using social media and the internet to spread false or misleading information to undermine them, promote Russia or attempt to sway public opinion election campaigns.
Russian authorities have repeatedly denied the accusations.
UN establishes task force to address Hormuz navigation challenges
Rubio says Iran war to last 'weeks not months'; no ground troops needed
NASA's Artemis astronauts enter final preparations for Moon mission
Iran-linked hackers breach FBI director's personal email
Trump extends deadline for striking Iran's energy plants to April 7
Israeli evacuation orders uproot 370,000 children in Lebanon, UN says
UN rights chief urges US to conclude probe into deadly Iran school strike
No injuries reported as Kuwait Shuwaikh Port comes under drone attack
