EU, Britain sanction Russia over cybercrime, disinformation campaigns
July 13 (UPI) -- Britain and the European Union announced new sanctions against Russia on Monday over cyberattacks against member nations and online disinformation campaigns.
The sanctions target 24 individuals and entities that are allegedly involved in a proxy network tied to the Russian Intelligence Services.
Britain and the EU said have accused Russia of being involved in a cyberattack on Poland's energy grid in December that put electricity access at risk for 500,000 people.
"These sanctions strike at the core of the cybercriminal networks propping up the Russian state's aggression, and the U.K. and EU are sending a clear message that Russia cannot hide behind its use of these proxy groups," Yvette Cooper, EU foreign secretary, said in a statement. "From directing criminals to targeting businesses, and striking Poland's energy grid in the depths of winter, the Russian state is sinking to new lows in its attempts to undermine European security."
The sanctions package marks the first joint cyber sanctions Britain and the EU have partnered on.
The sanctions also target those involved with Lumma Stealer, a malware program that cybercriminals use to farm sensitive information from users online.
The National Crime Agency reports that there have been more than 2,100 victims of Lumma Stealer in Britain in the past six months.
In total, Britain has sanctioned more than 3,400 people related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
As the EU and Britain bring new sanctions against Russia, France has summoned Russia's ambassador in Paris on Monday over the country's broader cyber campaigns targeting European nations.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France is sanctioning nine individuals and four entities in relation to Russia's cyber campaign.
France, Germany, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland have been targeted by Russian cyberattacks, along with Poland.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 10:50 AM.