Russia Has Secretly Spent $300 Million To Influence Foreign Elections, U.S. Says

Russia has spent over $300 million trying to win over politicians and political parties in dozens of countries since the beginning of the year.

According to the New York Times and several other outlets, the money was sent to politicians through think tanks, fake contracts, state-owned enterprises and shell companies.

The US alleged that the Russian ambassador gave a presidential candidate millions of dollars in cash.

The State Department said in a cable that some of the influence operations are linked to Russian politicians and businessmen.

Forbes was referred to by the State Department because of comments made by Ned Price.

Forbes did not get a response from the Russian Embassy.

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It is not known how the $300 million figure was arrived at or which countries were targeted by Russia.

Russia has been accused of interfering in foreign elections to favor its favored candidates. According to American intelligence agencies, Russia's intelligence service tried to undermine Hillary Clinton and support Donald Trump. The FBI said in 2020 that the Russian government tried to get rid of Joe Biden. Russia has been accused of election interference in Ukraine, as well as having ties to leaders of African countries like Sudan. The relationship between the U.S. and Russia is at its worst point in decades due to Russia's invasion of Ukrainian.

Surprising Fact

The Internet Research Agency, a Russian troll farm involved in influencing the U.S. election, was funded by one of the Putin allies. He is the alleged financier of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization that has sent fighters to Ukraine, Syria and several African nations, and has close ties to foreign governments. The nickname "Putin's chef" has been given to Prigozhin, because of his links to the Russian president.

One of the most effective ways to counter Russian covert influence is to expose it, according to a US official. The administration used a similar tactic in the lead up to Russia's war in Ukraine, releasing intelligence that accused Russia of planning fake attacks to create a pretext to invade. The administration faced criticism at the time for leveling serious allegations without providing any direct evidence, but it turned out to be largely correct.