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Yvette Cooper Russia has been accused of waging an “information war” He announced sanctions against several organizations linked to Moscow.
foreign Secretary Russian agencies were said to be responsible for a “vast malicious online network” spreading disinformation across Europe.
In a speech at the Foreign Office, Ms Cooper said: “This is not about legitimate debate on controversial issues. We have broad debate with strong views on all sides on many things, but this is about state-backed organizations seeking to harm us while pursuing malicious aims.
“So we must call it what it is: Russian information warfare, and we are defending ourselves.”
He announced sanctions on media outlet Rybar and its co-owner Mikhail Sergeevich Zvinchuk, claiming that its Telegram channel and network of affiliates in 28 languages ”reaches millions of people around the world using classic Kremlin manipulation tactics, including fake investigations and AI-driven content”.
“While masquerading as an independent body, Rybar is, in fact, partly coordinated by the presidential administration and receiving funding from the Russian state corporation, Rostec, and working with members of Russian intelligence services.”
He also announced sanctions on Pravfond – which Estonia says is a mask for the GRU intelligence agency – Euromor and Golos.
“Leaked reports show that Prudential Finance is pushing Kremlin narratives for Western audiences while also providing legal defense for convicted Russian assassins and arms smugglers,” Ms Cooper said.
Pravfond is accused of funding Euromor and Golos, which the Foreign Office said were “nominally independent news outlets” that hid their ties to the Russian state and were spreading “Kremlin propaganda targeting Ukraine”.
He also announced action against “the Moscow-based so-called think tank” the Center for Geopolitical Expertise and its founder Alexander Dugin “whose work closely informs Putin’s calculations”.
Senior leaders of the center are involved in Storm-1516, a “malign influence network that produces materials designed to build support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine”.
He also announced action against “two of the most serious” China-based companies, i-Sun and Integrity Technology Group, for “advanced and indiscriminate cyber activities” against the UK and its allies.
Ms Cooper said: “Our message to those who wish to harm us is clear: we see you in the shadows, we know what you are doing and we will protect ourselves.”