STORY
The UK has taken decisive action against Russia’s malicious activities, sanctioning three units of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) and 18 military intelligence officers. These individuals and units are accused of a sustained campaign of cyber operations and other malign activities, including those with devastating real-world consequences in Ukraine and beyond. The sanctions, announced on 18 July 2025, target GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre and the targeting of Yulia Skripal. Unit 26165, now sanctioned, reportedly conducted online reconnaissance in 2022 that aided missile strikes against Mariupol, including the attack on the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians perished.
Further revelations indicate that GRU military intelligence officers were responsible for targeting Yulia Skripal’s device with malicious malware known as X-Agent, five years prior to the attempted Novichok poisoning in Salisbury. The UK also highlights Russia’s targeting of media outlets, telecoms providers, political and democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure within the UK.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “GRU spies are running a campaign to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens. The Kremlin should be in no doubt: we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we won’t tolerate it.” He added that the UK is committed to protecting its national security and will continue to work with international allies to counter these hybrid threats. Beyond Europe, the UK is also sanctioning three leaders of “African Initiative”, a Russian-funded social media content mill employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. This includes attempts to undermine global health initiatives by spreading baseless conspiracy theories.