Between November and December 2024, several events dedicated to Russian music, cinema, sports, and more took place in France. Despite their declared "apolitical" nature, the Kremlin used them to justify its war against Ukraine and manipulate French public opinion, notes the Center for Countering Disinformation.
These events included concerts under the "Days of Russian and French Spiritual Culture," the "Russian Film Festival," the "Russian Literature" book fair, the "13th Forum of Russian Compatriot Organizations in France," and various sports events.
State institutions and organizations participated in their organization, including the Russian embassy in France, Rosconcert, Roskino, and the "spiritual and cultural center" of the Russian Orthodox Church in Paris. Russian artists involved in the events had previously violated Ukrainian law by working in the occupied Crimea, expressing "thanks to the Russian army," and supporting Kremlin policies.
Russia systematically uses "cultural projects" as a tool for informational influence on the French population. In reality, the primary goal of any Russian cultural event in France is propaganda, aimed at justifying Russia’s crimes and counteracting the Kremlin's international isolation.
