EU Sanctions Russian Intelligence-Linked Network Over Yearslong Cyber Espionage

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on nine individuals and four entities allegedly linked to a long-running Russian cyber espionage network , accusing them of conducting cyberattacks and sabotage operations aimed at destabilising the bloc and its international partners.

In a statement, the European Council said those sanctioned were involved in efforts supporting Russia's campaign to undermine the EU through cyber operations targeting governments and critical infrastructure , including heating and power facilities. The alleged espionage activities have been ongoing since 2010 and have affected at least nine European countries .

According to the EU, the targeted countries include France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland , among others. The sanctions also focus on the 16th Centre of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) , which the bloc accused of directing multiple cyber threat groups responsible for a broad range of malicious cyber activities.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France would summon the Russian ambassador in the coming days. Speaking to French broadcaster BFM TV, he alleged that the cyber operations were intended to steal sensitive information or disrupt essential services, citing attacks on railway infrastructure in Poland as an example.

The sanctions come amid growing concerns across Europe over alleged Russian cyber operations targeting essential services and democratic institutions. In April, Sweden said a pro-Russian hacking group with links to Russian security and intelligence agencies was responsible for a cyberattack on a heating plant last year. Poland, Norway, Denmark and Latvia have also warned of increasing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure across the region.

Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of conducting cyberattacks and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.