Officials exposed fake websites and misleading political ads during Moldova’s election and false videos targeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The UK imposed sanctions on Russian media outlets and ideologically aligned organisations, warning Western nations to counter hostile information campaigns.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper named Telegram channel Rybar, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and Aleksandr Dugin’s Centre for Geopolitical Expertise.
She also sanctioned two China-based firms for widespread cyberattacks against the UK and allied nations.
Hybrid Threats Endanger Infrastructure and Democracy
Cooper told the Foreign Office that hostile states use hybrid tactics to disrupt critical infrastructure, weaken national interests, and interfere in democratic processes.
She said Russian campaigns spread disinformation with AI-generated and manipulated videos to erode Western support for Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s invasion.
Officials cited Moldova’s election interference and fake Zelenskyy videos as examples of targeted disinformation efforts.
Cooperation Remains Key Amid Global Tensions
Cooper delivered her speech on the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties, emphasising international collaboration to maintain peace in Europe.
She stressed alliance unity while warning that US President Donald Trump has unsettled established partnerships and questioned America’s NATO commitments.
After meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, Cooper confirmed the US reaffirmed its strong support for NATO.
