The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on nine individuals accused of involvement in a Russian cyber-espionage campaign targeting European countries and institutions.
The EU said the sanctioned individuals were linked to cyber operations aimed at stealing sensitive information, disrupting government systems, and influencing political processes across Europe. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans within EU member states.
According to EU officials, the cyber campaign was part of broader Russian efforts to undermine European security and democratic institutions. They said the attacks targeted government agencies, political organisations, and other critical sectors.
The sanctions are part of the EU’s wider response to what it describes as increasing cyber threats from Russia, including hacking, espionage, and disinformation campaigns. EU officials said they would continue taking action against individuals and groups involved in activities that threaten the bloc’s security.
Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of carrying out cyber-attacks against European countries and has rejected claims that it uses hacking operations as a tool of state policy.