European Commission President warns against Russia's influence on European elections

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)

Two months before the European elections, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of Russian influence on them. This concerns the local elections in three eastern states of Germany – Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, according to BR24.

She said that alongside Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine, there is a rise in anti-European activity from pro-Russian supporters of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, such as AfD in Germany.

“Let’s not deceive ourselves: Putin’s friends want to destroy the European Union from within, through the process of disintegration,” von der Leyen said.

In this regard, she called on all EU citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote in the European elections on June 9 and strengthen the political center.

“We are entering a period where we must defend our democracy and our Europe,” warned von der Leyen.

Election year

In 2024, for the first time in history, elections will take place in more than 70 countries with a total population of 4 billion people. And some of elections results, especially in the West, could influence Ukraine aid.

Recently, presidential elections were held in Slovakia. The race featured an ally of the anti-Ukrainian Prime Minister Robert Fico and a pro-Western former foreign minister. RBK-Ukraine reported on who emerged victorious.

For more on the key elections of 2024, read the RBC-Ukraine coverage.