Russian spies in France, French authorities have detained the leaders of the organization “SOS Donbass”, known for displaying posters reading “Russia Is Not My Enemy” in central Paris. Founder Anna Novikova and president Vincent Perfetti face charges of gathering intelligence for a foreign state.
The arrests come amid President Emmanuel Macron’s warnings about Russia’s growing hybrid operations aimed at destabilizing France and other European countries supporting Ukraine.
France Targeted by Russia
According to prosecutors, Novikova and Perfetti promoted pro-Russian campaigns and produced propaganda materials. They are accused of:
Main Charges
- criminal conspiracy
- intelligence contacts with a foreign state
- gathering economic information for a foreign actor
Each offense carries up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines.
Perfetti’s lawyer called the accusations “absurd,” claiming the case criminalizes pro-Russian sentiment.
Russian Agents in Paris
Founded in 2022, the group presents itself as a humanitarian NGO assisting residents of the Donbas region. However, French counterintelligence agency DGSI believes the organization was used to collect sensitive economic information and conduct influence campaigns inside France.
Additional Arrests
| Person | Citizenship | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vyacheslav P. (40) | Russian | Conspiracy, property damage for benefit of foreign state | In custody |
| Bernard F. (58) | French | Conspiracy, intelligence contacts | Travel ban, weekly check-ins |
Vyacheslav P. is accused of placing pro-Russian posters on the Arc de Triomphe depicting a Russian soldier with the slogan “Thank the Soviet Soldier-Liberator.”
Russia’s Spy Network
French intelligence services report growing Russian activity:
- cyberattacks
- disinformation campaigns
- attempts to influence political and social dynamics
AP’s mapping shows dozens of similar incidents across Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
France’s security is under threat if Such Crimes Are Ignored
Failure to respond to these offenses could lead to deeper political division, weakened public trust, increased vulnerability to foreign influence, and potential leaks of sensitive national information — ultimately threatening the stability and security of France.