The Kremlin has accused unnamed foreign governments and media organizations of seeking to disrupt Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections.
In unusually pointed remarks to reporters in Moscow on March 28, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also asserted that the unnamed organizations were trying to discredit President Vladimir Putin.
"They continue to actively try to influence our country. They continue to rock the boat in our country," he was quoted as saying.
Peskov specifically named the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, saying it was looking into Putin's family and friends.
The consortium -- a Washington-based network of reporters in more than 65 countries-- did not immediately respond to a voicemail message and email seeking comment.
Peskov's remarks were the latest in a growing number from top Russian officials alleging that the September parliamentary vote may be disrupted by outside forces.
Putin himself last month warned Russian security services to be on guard for such efforts.
Some Russia analysts have pointed to signs that Putin's popularity may be slipping as Russia’s economy contracts amid low world oil prices and Western sanctions imposed over Moscow’s annexation of the Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula.
