Zakharova called on Macron to comment on Durov's statement about the elections in Romania

French President Emmanuel Macron should comment on the statement by Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messenger, about the request of Nicolas Lerner, the country's director of foreign intelligence, to influence the elections in Romania. This was announced on May 20 at a briefing by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

"These are not leaks, these are not some anonymous sources. This is an open statement by the person (Lerner — Ed.) who created the relevant platform," Zakharova said.

According to the diplomat, the Elysee Palace should provide an explanation on this issue.

"It seems to me that the French authorities in Paris should comment on information that allows confirming or refuting the statements <...>. First of all, the president of this country should provide appropriate explanations," Zakharova added.

Electoral rejection: the results of the elections in Romania threaten a new political crisis

A second round will be held in Poland, but the results of the vote will no longer affect relations with the Russian Federation.

On May 18, Durov said that Lerner had asked Telegram to block the channels of Romanian conservatives against the backdrop of the country's presidential elections. He noted that the government of another country has no right to "defend democracy" while destroying it, and also cannot fight interference in elections by interfering in them.