U.S. intelligence has reported that Russia has likely channeled over $300 million since 2014 into influencing foreign countries’ elections to propel candidates who they see as favorable to Moscow to office.
Russia did this by transferring funds through front organizations, such as think tanks, security services and “independent” state-owned enterprises.
Countries with elections likely influenced by Russian money include Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and other nations in Eastern Europe.
“It is an effort to chip away at the ability of people around the world to choose the governments that they see best fit to represent them, to represent their interests, and to represent their values,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.
The State Department released a diplomatic cable that outlined its message to U.S. embassies and consulates in foreign countries. The cable suggested possible sanctions and travel bans to punish Russia for its actions.
“We’re promoting coordination with our democratic peers,” a State Department official told reporters. “And we’ll be exchanging lessons learned, all to advance our collective election security, but also our election security here at home.”
