French authorities have detained members of a pro-Russia support group accused of gathering intelligence for a foreign power, officials said Wednesday.
According to The Associated Press, the group, SOS Donbass, was established in France in 2022. Its founder, a dual French-Russian national, was among four individuals taken into custody.
The arrests come after months of investigation by the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI), France’s domestic intelligence agency specializing in counter-espionage.
The Paris prosecutor’s office identified the founder only as Anna N., a 40-year-old Russian-born woman. Also detained were a 40-year-old Russian, Vyacheslav P., and two French nationals, Vincent P., 63, and Bernard F., 58.
Anna N. has been under DGSI surveillance for months and is suspected of approaching executives from French companies to obtain information tied to France’s economic interests.
Prosecutors said she had contact with Vyacheslav P., who is alleged to have placed pro-Russia posters on the Arc de Triomphe in September.
The posters depicted a Russian soldier and bore the words “Say thank you to the victorious Soviet soldier.” Video footage reportedly identified Vyacheslav P. as the individual posting the posters.
The charges against Anna N. and Vincent P. include criminal conspiracy, contacts with a foreign power, and gathering information for a foreign power, each carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
Bernard F. faces similar preliminary charges but remains free under reporting and travel restrictions. Vyacheslav P. faces charges of criminal conspiracy and property damage serving a foreign power.
SOS Donbass describes itself as a humanitarian organization aiding residents of the Donbas region, which Russian forces occupy, claiming it seeks to “build a bridge of peace between Europe and Russia.”
The group has publicly promoted pro-Russia messaging, including posters showing a handshake in Russian colors with the slogan, “Russia is not my enemy.”
French officials have warned that Russia has increasingly targeted France with cyberattacks, disinformation, and other destabilization efforts, part of what President Emmanuel Macron calls “hybrid wars” using proxies and mercenaries.
Macron emphasized this week that Russia’s efforts aim to destabilize countries supporting Ukraine, including France.
The arrests of the SOS Donbass members underscore growing concern in Paris over foreign espionage and influence operations linked to Moscow.
