Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The United Kingdom has recently exposed a sophisticated digital spying tool and imposed sanctions on over 20 Russian spies, hackers, and agencies for what it described as a “sustained campaign of malicious cyber activity” targeting European governments and institutions.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported that a new malicious program used by Russian military intelligence agency GRU spies was designed to gather login credentials for Microsoft online products.
Key Individuals and Previous Incidents
The UK Foreign Office announced sanctions against three GRU units and 18 of their officers. Among them are individuals involved in targeted attacks against Mariupol during the Ukraine war and in spying on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia before they were targeted with a Novichok poisoning in the UK in 2018.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “GRU spies are carrying out a campaign to destabilize Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, and threaten the security of British citizens.”
Russia’s Denial and Previous Accusations
Moscow has repeatedly denied such accusations, claiming they have a political motivation and pose no threat to the UK. The Russian embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Recent Related Incidents
Earlier this month, three men were sentenced for an arson incident at a Ukraine-linked business in London, which the police said was carried out at the behest of the Russian mercenary group Wagner.
International Condemnation
The European Union and NATO issued statements on Friday condemning Russia’s destabilizing hybrid activities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The UK has uncovered a sophisticated Russian cyber espionage tool and sanctioned individuals involved in malicious cyber activities against European governments and institutions.
- Who is involved? The UK has sanctioned over 20 Russian spies, hackers, and agencies linked to the GRU, a Russian military intelligence agency.
- What specific activities were targeted? The malicious cyber activities include gathering login credentials for Microsoft online products, targeted attacks against Mariupol during the Ukraine war, and spying on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.
- How has Russia responded? Moscow denies the accusations, claiming they have a political motivation and pose no threat to the UK.
- What international support has the UK received? The European Union and NATO have condemned Russia’s destabilizing hybrid activities.
