EU, U.K. hit Russia with joint sanctions over cyber attacks
The EU and the UK have imposed coordinated sanctions on Russian intelligence officers and entities accused of conducting cyber attacks against European critical infrastructure. This move marks a significant escalation in the Western response to Russia's hybrid warfare tactics.
Why it matters
It demonstrates a unified geopolitical stance against state-sponsored cyber espionage and sabotage targeting essential services.
The European Union and Britain targeted Russia on Monday (July 13, 2026) with coordinated sanctions over cyber attacks in Europe, accusing Moscow's FSB intelligence agency over involvement in digital strikes.
The move comes as Western officials warn Russia has stepped up its "hybrid" campaign to destabilise Europe over four years into the war on Ukraine.
Brussels said it was imposing sanctions on nine people and four entities, while London said it was adding 24 names to its blacklist.
The British government said the sanctions - the first joint cyber package with the EU - "target the Russian state's persistent and increasingly reckless attempts to sow chaos and division across Europe".
Among those subjected to asset freezes and visa bans were officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, and alleged "cybercriminals" working together with the Russian state.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in