Chizhov: Russia not meddling in French elections

French and German politicians have expressed concerns about possible Russian meddling in their upcoming elections.

Vladimir Chizhov, Russia’s Ambassador to the EU, told BBC Hardtalk’s Sarah Montague that this is not true.

The wave of anti-Russian rhetoric has become "contagious" and has spread across the Atlantic, from the US to Europe, he said.

Mr Chizhov added that fake news is being addressed to Russia from the West and there are "incomparably more" of them than from Russia to the West.

You can see the Hardtalk interview in full on Thursday 20 April on BBC World News and the BBC News Channel and after on BBC iPlayer (UK only).