UK imposes sanctions on Russian media and entities, warns of “information warfare”

The United Kingdom has announced new sanctions against Russian-linked media outlets and organizations, as part of efforts to counter disinformation campaigns and cyber threats posed by hostile foreign states.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the sanctions target the Russian Telegram channel “Rybar,” the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad — described by Estonian intelligence as a front for the GRU military intelligence agency — as well as the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise, a think tank led by far-right Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin.

Cooper also confirmed that two China-based companies have been sanctioned for “large-scale and indiscriminate cyber activities” against the UK and its allies.

Speaking at the Foreign Office in London, Cooper warned that Western nations are facing an escalation of hybrid threats aimed at striking critical national infrastructure, undermining national interests, and interfering in the UK’s democratic processes.

“We should call this what it is: Russian information warfare. And we are defending ourselves,” she stated.

The British government emphasized that it will continue working closely with international partners to counter foreign propaganda and interference, as tensions with Moscow remain high due to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine./TheGeopost.