Overview
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova ridiculed the French accusations on Nov. 13, telling the French to “try washing.”
- Zakharova questioned the logic of the charges, asking whether Russia was being blamed for the bugs’ presence or for spreading alleged “fakes.”
- President Emmanuel Macron has accused Moscow of pushing disinformation about the infestation, and officials have not presented public evidence tying Russia to such efforts.
- French Armed Forces Chief Gen. Fabien Mandon earlier alleged Russia sought to destabilize France by exploiting the bedbug issue.
- France has grappled with a genuine bedbug surge since 2023, with Anses estimating about one in ten households affected, and Irish journalist Chey Bowes also criticized Macron’s claim.