SAN FRANCISCO, April 17 (Reuters) - Microsoft ( MSFT ) said on

Wednesday it found Russian online campaigns aimed at influencing

the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election kicked

into gear over the past 45 days, although the activity is slower

than seen around past elections.

Researchers at the tech giant said in a report that

Russia-linked accounts were disseminating divisive content aimed

at U.S. audiences, including criticising American support of

Ukraine in its war with Russia.

The activity is slower than seen in previous elections but

it could just be the beginning of more to come, the researchers

said in the report.

The Russian embassy in Washington did not respond to a

request for comment on the report, but the Kremlin said last

month that it would not meddle in the November U.S. election. It

also dismissed U.S. allegations that it orchestrated campaigns

to sway the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections.