Slovakia is targeted by pro-Russian propaganda

Russia carried out activities in Slovakia aimed at maintaining the sympathies of the public towards the Russian nation, culture and politics, and at weakening the forces openly skeptical or critical of Russia, according to the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS). "The Russian side also sought to create the impression that Slovakia is a close ally of Russia, and - as a member of NATO and the EU - respects and understands Russian interests," reads the Intelligence Service's annual report for 2018. Propaganda campaigns were carried out mainly through so-called alternative media and have focused on disseminating hoax messages or misinformation to discredit the EU and NATO as untrustworthy organizations. The report adds that Russian intelligence services directed their activities against the interests of Slovakia as an EU and NATO member. "Agents of these services, active in Slovakia predominantly under diplomatic cover, were attempting to recruit collaborators in central bodies of the state administration, security forces and in the sphere of energy and defence," reads the report. Russian officials have not commented on the report so far.