MOSCOW, Aug 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Russia on Tuesday dismissed accusations it was attempting to sway France's upcoming presidential elections as "anti-Russian propaganda", suggesting candidates were using the allegations to boost their campaigns.

France will hold presidential elections next year to determine who succeeds Emmanuel Macron, a staunch backer of Ukraine who has served in the role since 2017 and is barred by term limits from running again.

The French government is deeply wary Russia will attempt to sway the vote in favour of a more Kremlin-friendly candidate, against the backdrop of the Ukraine war.

Prosecutors have launched a probe into suspected Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the two main centrist candidates -- former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal -- as well as centre-left candidate Raphael Glucksmann.

"We are not at all surprised by the attempts of (French investigators) to accuse Russia of interfering in the 2027 presidential campaign," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement, calling the allegations a "contrivance".

"We are seeing that for many candidates, the race for the presidency entails -- as part of the 'obligatory programme' -- making high-profile statements about fighting the 'Russian threat' and supporting the Kyiv regime," she added.

"Ultimately, one hopes that the majority of French citizens will exercise common sense and refuse to be hoodwinked by such low-grade, anti-Russian propaganda."

The first round of the presidential vote is scheduled for April next year.

Far-right politician Marine Le Pen is expected to make it to the second round, while several other candidates including hard-left contender Jean-Luc Melenchon are vying for second place, according to recent polling.