EU and UK Impose Joint Sanctions on Russia Over Cyber Attacks On July 13, the European Union and the United Kingdom announced coordinated sanctions against Russia, holding Moscow’s FSB intelligence agency accountable for a series of cyber attacks across Europe. The measures come as Western officials warn of Russia’s escalating "hybrid" campaign to destabilize the region amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU sanctioned nine individuals and four entities, while the UK added 24 names to its blacklist marking the first joint cyber sanctions package between the two. Targets include officers from Russia’s GRU military intelligence and alleged state-linked cybercriminals, all facing asset freezes and visa bans. Among the incidents cited was a recent failed cyber attack on Poland’s critical infrastructure, including its power grid, attributed to the FSB’s Center 16. The UK Foreign Office stated the attack, which could have left 500,000 citizens without electricity during winter, reflects Russia’s "irresponsible attempts to sow chaos." The EU noted that France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, and Finland have been targeted in a years-long campaign.