The United Kingdom and the European Union have jointly announced a new round of sanctions against Russia, accusing Moscow of orchestrating cyberattacks aimed at spreading disruption, instability, and division across Europe.
The UK imposed sanctions on 24 individuals and entities linked to Russian intelligence services, while the EU sanctioned 13 individuals and entities, including officers from Russia’s Main Directorate of the General Staff (GRU).
“The threat is real, tangible and destructive. Today, the entire world is convinced of that,” a security source from an EU member state said.
For the first time, London and Brussels have jointly attributed a cyberattack on Poland’s electricity network to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the UK, the operation—carried out by FSB Center 16—ultimately failed but still caused power outages affecting approximately 500,000 people during the winter.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said FSB Center 16 has also been responsible for cyber espionage operations targeting French strategic government entities since 2010.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s behavior,” Kallas said, accusing Moscow of using cybercriminals, hackers, and private companies to conduct malicious cyber operations.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Russia had reached “a new level of shamelessness” in its attempts to undermine European security.
“Whether directing cybercriminals against businesses or targeting Poland’s energy grid in the middle of winter, the Russian state continues to threaten European security,” Cooper said.
The UK has now sanctioned around 3,400 individuals and entities accused of supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on approximately 2,700 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with around 100 additional persons and organizations accused of carrying out hybrid attacks against the EU.
The measures include asset freezes and travel bans within the European Union.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to protest what it described as malicious cyber activities attributed to Moscow targeting Germany, other EU member states, and Ukraine.
France also announced it will summon the Russian ambassador in Paris in the coming days over an alleged Russian cyber campaign targeting several European countries.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said:
“We will publicly condemn a large-scale cyber campaign conducted by Russia against at least ten European countries.”
