London, July 19, 2025 — The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 18 Russian intelligence operatives accused of orchestrating cyberattacks and involvement in high-profile poisoning cases, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Thursday.
According to Lammy, the sanctioned individuals—linked to specialized Russian cyber units—have for years targeted UK media, democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure in attempts to politically influence and destabilize the country, as reported by The Guardian.
Notably, two of the identified spies were allegedly involved in planting the spyware “X-Agent” on a device used by Yulia Skripal, daughter of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal. Both were later poisoned in a 2018 attack in Salisbury that sparked international outrage and led to widespread accusations against the Kremlin.
“We see what the Kremlin is trying to do from the shadows—and we will not tolerate it,” Lammy said. “That’s why we are taking action by sanctioning these Russian spies.”
The UK government says the sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on engagement with British institutions.
This move marks one of the most severe responses by the UK against Russia’s covert aggression, underscoring efforts to bolster national security and safeguard democratic systems.
