EU imposes new cyber-related sanctions on Russia

The European Union has imposed additional restrictive measures on nine individuals and four entities over cyber activities targeting the EU, its member states and international partners.

The measures were announced in a statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, released by her office.

According to the statement, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has for years conducted a wide range of malicious cyber activities affecting the EU, its member states, and international partners, notably Ukraine.

"These activities have included infiltration of governmental networks and sabotage of critical infrastructure. Among others, France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland have been targeted," the statement said.

The EU strongly condemned what it described as Russia's misuse of a cyber ecosystem targeting public services and critical infrastructure.

"In response to these malicious activities, the EU is imposing restrictive measures on nine individuals and four entities. The sanctions target GRU intelligence officers, as well as cybercriminals, self-proclaimed hacktivists and private companies that contribute to Russia's efforts to destabilise the EU, its member states and international partners," the statement said.

The sanctions include travel bans to the European Union and asset freezes on the listed individuals and entities.

Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in cyberattacks carried out against targets in Europe.