G-7 says Russia funding covert efforts to undermine elected governments
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Russia used the Russia Today state media outlet "to advance the Kremlin's malign interests" and divert attention from its war on Ukraine, said the G-7.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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OTTAWA - The Group of Seven (G-7) on Jan 17 said the Kremlin had funded and directed covert efforts by state entities to undermine elected governments around the world by using global disinformation and influence campaigns.
The statement was issued by the G-7's Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) unit, which was set up to fight threats to democracy such as disinformation.
"The G-7 RRM regards any foreign information manipulation and interference with the utmost seriousness," said a statement issued by Canada, which is this year's G-7 chair.
The statement said Russia had used the Russia Today state media outlet and Social Design Agency marketing agency "to advance the Kremlin's malign interests" and divert attention from its war on Ukraine.
RRM members include the G-7 as well as four observer nations - Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden. REUTERS
