Brussels: The EU announced new sanctions targeting nine individuals and four entities associated with Russia-linked cyber activities that have impacted the bloc, its member states, and international partners. The European Council stated that these sanctions are aimed at Russian military intelligence officers, cybercriminals, self-identified hacktivists, and private companies involved in operations destabilizing the EU.
According to Anadolu Agency, the EU identified these individuals and entities as contributors to cyber operations that disrupted public services, critical infrastructure, and government networks, leading to significant disruptions and financial losses. The bloc accused Russia's Federal Security Service of controlling several cyber threat groups, including TURLA, conducting espionage and disruptive operations against European targets.
The EU reported that member states such as France, Germany, Poland, the Greek Cypriot Administration, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, and Finland have been affected by Russia-linked cyber activities. The bloc emphasized its commitment to strengthening cooperation with international partners, including NATO, to support a stable and secure cyberspace.
In a separate announcement, the European Council imposed additional measures on four individuals and five entities responsible for human rights violations in Russia. The EU cited the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and actions undermining democracy and the rule of law as reasons for these sanctions. The sanctions list includes VK Company and its subsidiary Communication Platform, known for developing the Max App, which allegedly enables surveillance under the FSB's supervision.
The EU accused the Max App of being pre-installed on mobile devices in Russia, facilitating repressive actions against users critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine or posting other banned content. Additional sanctions target companies like Citadel, VAS Experts, and Norsi-Trans, which are involved in the development and sale of surveillance systems used to control communications in Russia.
The sanctioned individuals hold leadership roles within these companies and are accused of supporting human rights abuses and suppressing civil society and democratic opposition in Russia. The UK also introduced sanctions against Russian cyber networks, accusing them of spreading disruption and division in Europe, targeting 24 individuals and entities linked to Russian Intelligence Services.