France’s far-right National Front has admitted borrowing millions of pounds from Russia amid growing concerns that the Kremlin is using populist parties to gain influence in European politics.

National Front leader Marine Le Pen has confirmed that the party had borrowed £7 million in September from the Russian-owned First Czech-Russian Bank.

Speaking after the information was leaked to the media, Ms Le Pen said that French and other western banks had refused to finance the National Front, which is France’s most popular party, according to opinion polls.

France’s far-right National Front, led by Marine Le Pen, above, has admitted borrowing millions of pounds from Russia amid growing concerns that the Kremlin is using populist parties to gain influence in European politics; Ms Le Pen is pictured after delivering a speech during mayoral elections in March 2014

The Times reports Ms Le Pen as saying: 'We signed with the First (bank) who agreed and we're very happy about it.'

She insisted that it was 'ridiculous to suggest that gaining a loan would determine our international position'.

And added that the accusations were 'outrageous and offensive', and that her party had long held pro-Russian views.

Despite her comments the party's treasurer, Wallerand de Saint Just, admitted he would have preferred the party had chosen a French bank.

According to the party the money was needed to prepare for the coming elections, leading up to the presidential campaign of 2017 in which Ms Le Pen would run.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is accused of supporting populist parties in an attempt to have more influence on European politics; the Kremlin is said to support several groups across Europe

Politicians and experts have been tracking the National Front's increasingly close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin who is said to be charming populist, anti-EU groups.

They are dubious of any obligations the group might have to its creditor.

Its understood the Kremlin now supports Belgium's Vlaams Belang, Greece's neo-fascist Golden Dawn, Hungary's Jobbik, Italy's Northern League and the Freedom Party of Austria.

All, with exception of Golden Dawn, were invited along with the National Front, to watch Crimea's vote to join Russia last month.

Jobbik is believed to be under investigation for receiving secret funding from Russia.

An expect on the National Front in France said Moscow was sending a warning message to governments in EU countries. If they didn't support Russia, the country would support parties that were against them, Jean-Vyes Camus said.