EU sanctions 3 Russian nationals for 'malicious cyber activities'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Three Russian nationals have been added to the EU sanctions list for alleged "malicious cyber activities" against Estonia, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

In a statement, the European Council announced that it has adopted additional restrictive measures against three Russian individuals who were responsible for a series of cyberattacks against Estonia in 2020.

"The individuals listed are officers of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) Unit 29155," read the statement.

It noted that Unit 29155 is also responsible for conducting cyberattacks against other EU member states and partners, notably Ukraine.

"With today’s listings, the EU horizontal cyber sanctions regime now applies to 17 individuals and 4 entities," said the statement, adding that it includes an asset freeze and a travel ban and the prohibition for EU persons and entities to make funds available to those listed.