Russia has condemned a new round of sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, dismissing the measures as unlawful and accusing London of relying on unproven allegations of cyberattacks, disinformation and political interference.
In a statement, Russian officials argued that the latest restrictions are based on political considerations rather than evidence and maintained that the sanctions would not change Moscow’s policies.
Moscow Disputes Basis for Sanctions
According to the Russian statement, the UK justified the new sanctions by accusing Russia of involvement in cyber operations, disinformation campaigns and interference in the political affairs of other countries.
Russian officials rejected those accusations, describing them as unsubstantiated and claiming they were being used to reinforce what Moscow called an artificial narrative of a “Russian threat.”
The statement suggested that allegations involving cyber activities have become an additional tool for generating public concern in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Russia Rejects Election Interference Claims
The Russian government also denied accusations of interference in elections held in Moldova and Armenia.
Moscow argued that both electoral processes were instead affected by alleged violations committed by the incumbent authorities with support from Western countries. Russia offered no evidence for those claims and maintained that accusations directed at Moscow were politically motivated.
Cybersecurity Record Defended
Responding to claims that Russia poses a major cyber threat, the statement said Moscow has consistently supported international cooperation to combat cybercrime.
Russian officials pointed to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, approved by the UN General Assembly in 2024, noting that the initiative to draft the treaty originated with Russia.
According to the statement, unilateral sanctions undermine broader international efforts to tackle cybercrime and ultimately benefit online criminal networks by weakening multilateral cooperation.
Moscow Says Sanctions Will Not Change Policy
Concluding its remarks, Russia urged the British government not to use cyber-related allegations as a justification for imposing additional sanctions.
The statement asserted that continued restrictive measures would fail to alter Russia’s political course and reiterated Moscow’s position that unilateral sanctions imposed outside internationally agreed mechanisms are illegitimate.
The comments reflect the official position of the Russian government. British authorities have maintained that sanctions targeting Russia are intended to respond to actions they say threaten international security and democratic institutions.
