British government has sanctioned several Russian and Chinese organizations accused of undermining the West through cyberattacks and influence operations. Targets include the Russian Telegram channel Rybar (and its owner Mikhail Zvinchuk), the ‘Pravfond’ organization, and Chinese technology companies i-Soon and Integrity Technology Group.
Speaking on the centenary of the Locarno Treaties, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for a “new and reinvigorated and more agile form of multilateralism” to counter “ever more complex hybrid security threats.” Highlighting the new US security strategy under President Trump, Cooper noted that “Europe has relied too heavily on US support” and asserted that “Europe must step up” to ensure its own defense.
Cooper identified the war in Ukraine as the most acute threat, which has expanded into “sabotage in European cities,” “reckless breaches of NATO airspace,” and “relentless cyber-attacks.” She described it as a “full spectrum campaign… to test us. To provoke us. And to destabilise us.” While the sanctions aim to disrupt hostile actors and “name and shame” them, critics argue this is insufficient. Former cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill argued that “Britain should lead this hybrid campaign for Europe,” emphasizing that “credible deterrence is offensive, not just defensive.”
UK Delays Imposing Sanctions on Lukoil International Until February
