The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on three units of Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, and 18 of its officers, in response to a series of cyberattacks and hybrid warfare activities attributed to the agency. These measures aim to address actions that have targeted European stability and democratic institutions.
Among the sanctioned entities is Unit 26165, which has been linked to cyber operations targeting critical infrastructure and information systems in Europe. The UK government has also sanctioned Unit 74455, known for its involvement in cyber intrusions against Western institutions, including the deployment of malware designed to access Microsoft user accounts hosted in the cloud. Additionally, the 'African Initiative,' a Russia-backed organization conducting information operations in West Africa, has been sanctioned for its role in spreading disinformation and undermining public health programs in the region.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to countering malicious cyber activities and hybrid threats, stating that the sanctions are a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The UK continues to collaborate with international partners to uphold ethical standards and protect democratic processes from destabilizing actions.