Officials reported fake websites and political ads during Moldova’s election and false videos about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy aimed to weaken public support.
The UK imposed sanctions on Russian media and ideological outlets, as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Western nations to counter information warfare from hostile states.
Cooper named the Telegram channel Rybar, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Abroad, and the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise, linked to Russia’s GRU.
She also sanctioned two China-based companies for wide-ranging cyberattacks targeting the UK and its allies.
Hybrid Threats Pose Growing Risks
Cooper said Britain and its partners face hybrid threats designed to disrupt critical infrastructure, weaken national interests, and interfere in democratic processes.
She described these threats as Russian information warfare and stressed that the UK actively defends itself.
She said attackers use sabotage and disinformation campaigns, flooding social media with AI-generated and manipulated videos to erode Western support for Ukraine.
Officials cited Moldova’s election interference and fake Zelenskyy content as recent examples of such operations.
Cooperation Remains Key to Security
Cooper delivered her remarks on the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties, which strengthened post-World War I European peace.
She highlighted the importance of international cooperation as US President Trump disrupts alliances and raises doubts about America’s NATO commitment.
After meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Cooper confirmed that Washington reaffirmed its strong support for NATO.
