EU, UK slap sanctions on Russian spies and hackers over cyberattacks

The European Union and the United Kingdom imposed coordinated sanctions on Russian military intelligence officials and several private companies in response to a large-scale cyberespionage campaign targeting European infrastructure. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans.

Officials said the campaign had targeted critical sectors including energy, transport and communications. The attacks were assessed as part of a coordinated effort aimed at destabilizing the EU and its partners.

Brussels and London stressed that the move represents one of the most extensive joint sanctions packages against Russian intelligence services in recent memory. The sanctions list includes both state-linked individuals and private cybersecurity firms.

Russia again denied the cyberattack allegations and described the sanctions as “baseless.” Moscow argued that similar accusations have previously been made without proof.

EU officials said information-sharing among member states to strengthen critical infrastructure against cyber threats will be increased. The move is seen as potentially opening the door to further rounds of sanctions in the coming months.