The UK Government has announced a new package of sanctions against Russia. This is the first time measures in the field of countering cyber threats have been coordinated with the European Union.
According to the British authorities, the sanctions target individuals and organisations involved in cyberattacks and hybrid threats from Russia. They concern the activities of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), which, according to European partners, has been involved in infiltrating government networks and sabotaging critical infrastructure in EU countries and Ukraine.
As part of the joint actions, the European Union imposed sanctions on nine individuals and four entities, including the Russian social network VK and related structures. The United Kingdom, in turn, added additional individuals to its sanctions list, including those linked to Unit 29155 and developers of the LUMMA Infostealer malware.
NATO also condemned Russia’s actions, describing them as a violation of international law. The North Atlantic Council issued a statement emphasising the coordinated response by the three structures — the EU, the UK, and NATO.
This decision forms part of a broader Western strategy to counter Moscow’s hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, information warfare, and sabotage. The sanctions include asset freezes and visa restrictions.
British government officials noted that such coordinated measures increase the effectiveness of pressure on Russia and demonstrate the unity of approach between the UK and the EU on European security issues.