Germany and France Intensify Actions Against Russia Over Cyber Attacks
European Nations Respond to Cyber Threats
Germany and France have increased their pressure on Russia, accusing its intelligence agencies of executing a large-scale cyber campaign aimed at European nations. In response, both countries have summoned Russian ambassadors and announced new sanctions. On Monday, Germany called in Russia's ambassador to express its discontent over what it termed a series of harmful cyberattacks targeting German institutions, other EU member states, and Ukraine.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer, investigations conducted by German intelligence, in collaboration with European partners, have determined that the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia is behind these attacks, which are linked to the cyber group known as Turla. Berlin claims that these operations were orchestrated by the FSB's 16th Centre, a unit associated with ongoing cyber espionage efforts.
Deschauer stated, "We summoned the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry this morning regarding these malicious cyber activities," noting that several German institutions had been compromised. She emphasized that this incident is part of a larger trend of Russian cyber operations targeting Germany, EU nations, and international allies over the years.
In response, the European Union has approved new sanctions against Russian individuals and entities believed to be involved in the cyber campaign. These measures focus on intelligence officers, cybercriminals, self-identified hacktivists, and private firms accused of aiding Russia's cyber efforts. France has also taken similar steps against Moscow.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot announced that Paris would summon the Russian ambassador soon, describing the cyber campaign as a significant effort by Russia aimed at sabotage and espionage throughout Europe, including France. In an interview with BFM TV, Barrot indicated that France would impose sanctions on nine Russian individuals and four entities linked to the alleged attacks, which he attributed to the FSB.
Barrot stated, "Today, we will publicly condemn a widespread cyber campaign conducted by Russia that aimed to carry out sabotage and spying against a dozen countries." These coordinated actions come as the EU seeks to finalize its 21st package of sanctions against Russia in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas mentioned that more names could be added to the sanctions list as part of these new measures.
Western governments have consistently accused Russia of engaging in cyber espionage and sabotage against government bodies, critical infrastructure, and private organizations across Europe, a claim that Moscow has repeatedly denied. The recent diplomatic actions indicate a unified European response to what officials describe as a growing cyber threat associated with Russian intelligence services.