The Kremlin has renewed its efforts to influence the U.S. presidential election, with a campaign designed to undermine Joe Biden, focusing particularly on his involvement with Ukraine.
According to Robert Langsing Institute this strategy includes leveraging individuals linked to the 2017 investigation into Russian election meddling.
Central to this campaign is Andrii Derkach, a former Ukrainian MP now in Belarus, known for his ties to Russian intelligence and his advocacy for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine's energy sector. Derkach, suspected of treason in Ukraine, has been publicly visible for the first time since fleeing to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
Simona Mangiante Papadopoulos, a journalist and the wife of former Trump adviser George Papadopoulos, appears to be a significant player in this narrative. Her interactions with Andrii Derkach, believed to involve the transfer of documents to interfere in the U.S. election, suggest a concerted effort to discredit President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, for his role in Ukraine's energy projects.
Further inquiry reveals that Simona's journalistic pursuits, which began as her husband faced legal issues, might be aligned with Russian intelligence objectives. Her involvement in a documentary titled “Ukraine: the Everlasting Present,” produced in cooperation with Russian state media RT, raises concerns about her role in disseminating disinformation. The documentary aimed to discredit Ukraine and propagate Kremlin-aligned conspiracy theories.
A particularly notable incident involved Simona sharing an image on social media, portraying Ukraine's President Zelensky negatively and implicating Joe Biden in corruption. This act aligns with Russia's broader strategy to weaken support for Ukraine within the Republican Party, ultimately aiming to halt U.S. military support for Ukraine.
