Officials highlighted fake websites, political ads in Moldova’s election, and misleading videos about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meant to erode public support.
The UK imposed sanctions on Russian media outlets and ideological organizations to counter information warfare from hostile foreign states, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced.
Cooper named the Telegram channel Rybar, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise.
She added that two China-based companies faced sanctions for wide-ranging cyberattacks against the UK and its allies.
Britain Warns of Escalating Hybrid Threats
Cooper told the Foreign Office audience that adversaries use hybrid attacks to disrupt infrastructure, weaken national interests, and manipulate democracies.
She described the operations as Russian information warfare and said the UK actively defends against these threats.
She detailed sabotage attempts and disinformation campaigns using AI-generated and doctored videos to reduce Western backing for Ukraine’s resistance to Russia.
British officials cited Moldova’s election manipulation and fake Zelenskyy content as recent examples.
Calls for Allied Unity and Cooperation
Cooper delivered her address on the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties, which promoted post-World War I European peace.
She stressed the need for international cooperation while US President Donald Trump challenges longstanding alliances and questions America’s NATO commitments.
After meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Cooper said the discussions confirmed the United States’ unwavering support for NATO.
