technology
European Union and Britain Impose Sanctions on Russian Cyberespionage Network
The European Union sanctioned nine people and four entities on July 13, 2026. Britain sanctioned 24 people and entities the same day over a network active since 2010.
Jul 13, 7:15 AM·1m read4 sources
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The European Union imposed sanctions on nine people and four entities linked to a Russian cyberespionage network on July 13, 2026. Britain imposed sanctions on 24 people and entities on the same day. The network has operated since 2010 and has targeted governments while carrying out sabotage against critical infrastructure such as heating and power plants.
The operations affected at least nine countries: France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland. The EU sanctions target the 16th Center of Russia’s Federal Security Service and include asset freezes and travel bans. They also cover GRU military intelligence officer Yevgeny Bashev and the company Impuls, which he runs.
Impuls provides technical and material support to cyberattacks conducted by GRU Unit 29155. Britain sanctioned Bashev and three other senior GRU officials for directing cyber and hybrid threat operations. Britain stated that Impuls recruited hackers and cyber specialists from Russian universities and academies.
Germany summoned Russia’s ambassador on July 13. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France intends to summon Russia’s ambassador in the coming days. In April 2026, Sweden stated that a pro-Russian group with links to Russia’s security and intelligence services was behind a cyberattack on a heating plant in 2025.
