The UK and the EU have imposed new sanctions on 24 individuals and entities linked to the Kremlin’s proxy networks

This is reported on the UK government’s website.

“Russia and its criminal networks, responsible for organising cyberattacks, interfering in elections and spreading harmful anti-Ukrainian narratives across Europe, have today been hit by UK sanctions. The restrictions apply to 24 individuals and entities involved in destructive cyber and hybrid operations, including cybercriminals operating within proxy networks linked to Russian intelligence services,” the statement said.

High-ranking GRU officers involved in operations against Western states have also been added to the sanctions list.

“This includes the imposition of sanctions against senior GRU officials – Vyacheslav Stafeev, Ivan Senin and Ivan Kasyanenko – for their role in directing the GRU’s cyber and hybrid operations. The cyber unit of Unit 29155 collaborated with cybercriminals, notably the company IMPULS, to recruit hackers and cybersecurity specialists from universities and academies across Russia. Furthermore, the UK, together with EU Member States, today officially attributed responsibility for the attack on Poland’s power grid to Centre 16 of Russia’s FSB. “This reckless attack failed, but could have left 500,000 citizens without electricity in the depths of winter. This is yet another example of the Russian state’s irresponsible attempts to sow chaos in Europe,” they added.

The sanctions have been extended to those involved with Lumma Stealer, which was used to collect confidential data from infected devices. 

“The new measures also target 10 individuals behind ‘Rybár’, including directors, managers and content designers. The media company is funded by the Russian state and is responsible for spreading false narratives about Ukraine and interfering in elections across Europe, particularly in Moldova and Armenia,” the statement reads.

According to the government’s website, London, together with its allies, will continue to counter those who carry out malicious operations on behalf of the Russian state and spread disinformation that undermines democratic institutions.

“To date, the UK has imposed sanctions on more than 3,400 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s military efforts, and, together with its allies, will continue to put pressure on those who carry out hostile activities on behalf of the Kremlin, spread dangerous lies and undermine democratic values,” the statement reads.

The European Union has adopted a further package of sanctions against Russia, adding VK – the owner of the Russian social network ‘VKontakte’ and a number of related services – to the list of sanctioned entities. The legal entity behind the so-called national messaging app MAX has also been added to the list.

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