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Following a series of malicious cyber activities, the Foreign Office has sanctioned multiple Russian spies. These sanctions target three military intelligence units from Russia’s GRU espionage agency, along with 18 officers who have been engaging in activities at the behest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Foreign Office’s decision came in light of these individuals spreading chaos and disorder, particularly targeted at the UK. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the connection between these actions and the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine, stating that the GRU spies were actively working to destabilize Europe.
Meanwhile, the European Union has imposed its most severe sanctions yet on Russia, a move hailed as “essential and timely” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These sanctions include measures such as a ban on transactions related to the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline and a reduction in the cap on the price of Russian oil. The UK has also participated in lowering the price cap, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasizing that Europe is tightening the screws on the Kremlin’s war chest. These measures are part of a collective effort by European allies to increase pressure on Russia and bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the mounting sanctions, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Putin, expressed confidence in his nation’s ability to weather the economic impact. He asserted that Moscow will continue its aggressive actions in Ukraine, striking with even greater force. The latest round of EU sanctions marks the 18th set implemented since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The UK Foreign Office revealed that one of the sanctioned intelligence units, Unit 26165, was involved in targeting Mariupol and carrying out a deadly strike on the city’s theatre. Additionally, measures were placed on officers who planted spyware on the phone of Yulia Skripal, a victim in the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
The Foreign Office further disclosed that Russia had targeted various UK entities, including media organizations, telecoms companies, energy infrastructure, and political institutions. Foreign Secretary Lammy emphasized the UK’s vigilance in the face of Kremlin’s actions, reiterating that Putin’s hybrid threats would not weaken their resolve. Entities facing sanctions may encounter various restrictions, including freezing of financial assets. European leaders are advocating for increased pressure from the US on Russia, with former President Donald Trump issuing threats of severe tariffs if a peace deal is not reached within a designated time frame. Moreover, the Foreign Office announced sanctions on three leaders of the “African Initiative”, a social media campaign allegedly funded and operated by Russia to conduct disinformation operations in West Africa. Despite denials from Russia, accusations of interference in democratic systems and economic sabotage continue to persist
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