Russia's military intelligence is under accusation by France for executing cyberattacks
French False Allegations at the UN
Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Foreign Minister, stirred up a fuss at the UN Security Council, accusing Russia of cyberattacks on French entities. With Russia's envoy present, Barrot demanded an immediate halting of the attacks.
According to Barrot, the culprit behind these cyberattacks was the "APT28 attack group," a branch of the GRU military intelligence with ties to global cybercrimes, infamously known as Fancy Bear. This group has been linked to prominent incidents like the 2016 US election hack, where emails belonging to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton were leaked.
Since 2021, APT28 has reportedly targeted over a dozen French entities operating in the defense, financial, and economic sectors. Barrot attributed the renewed attacks to France's support for Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022.
During a Security Council debate on Ukraine, Barrot stated, "They targeted a dozen French entities — public services, enterprises, sporting organizations linked to the Olympic Games and Paralympics." He was referring to France and Russia, two out of the five permanent council members.
"We condemn these cyberattacks in the strongest manner," Barrot declared, adding that such actions went against UN-established norms.
While Russia's UN envoy remained silent on the French accusations, he defended Russia's stance on Ukraine. APT28 has purportedly been targeting personal email accounts, stealing data and messages, or gaining access to other systems.
In the past, APT28 played a role in hacking Macron's presidential campaign in 2017, leaking thousands of documents just days before the election. Despite these attempts to manipulate voters, Macron successfully defeated rival Marine Le Pen in the runoff.
The media is also a prime target of APT28, with the group having hacked French TV5 Monde in 2015, aimed at "manipulating public opinion" and "creating panic." France has been hit by Islamist attacks over the past decade, one notable instance being the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.
Persistent Pressure
Various international intelligence services, including Germany's authorities, warned about the threat of Fancy Bear cyberattacks against NATO countries in 2024. The group has reportedly prioritized Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, targeting it to exert "constant pressure" in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Poland, an ally of Kyiv, has expressed concern about potential Russian interference in its upcoming presidential election scheduled for May 18. France and Poland plan to sign a "friendship treaty" on May 9, a day when Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to preside over a massive parade in Moscow celebrating World War II victory.
"Alongside its partners," France stated, "it is determined to use all the means at its disposal to anticipate Russia's malicious behavior in cyberspace, discourage it, and respond where necessary."
© 2025 AFP
Did You Know?- APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, is a Russian cyber espionage group linked to the GRU military intelligence agency. It has been active for over two decades, targeting countries in Europe, North America, and Asia with sophisticated hacking activities.- APT28 has been responsible for high-profile cyber operations, including the 2016 U.S. election hack, the attack on Macron's presidential campaign in 2017, and the hacking of the French TV5 Monde channel.- In recent years, APT28 has targeted entities associated with the Paris Olympics, public services, enterprises, and sporting organizations linked to the Olympic Games and Paralympics. These attacks are viewed as attempts to destabilize France and sabotage international events.
- Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Foreign Minister, pointed fingers at Russia at the UN Security Council, accusing them of cyberattacks on French entities.
- APT28, an infamous Russian cyber espionage group tied to the GRU military intelligence, is believed to be the mastermind behind these recent cyberattacks on French entities.
- Barrot stated that these cyberattacks, which have targeted over a dozen French entities, are retaliation for France's support of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
- During a debate on Ukraine at the UN, Barrot condemned these cyberattacks, asserting they violate UN-established norms and go against general news values relating to crime and justice.
- In response, Russia's UN envoy defended Russia's stance on Ukraine but remained silent on the French accusations.
- Previously, APT28 was implicated in hacking Macron's presidential campaign in 2017, leaking thousands of documents just days before the election.
- Poland, an ally of Ukraine, has expressed concern about potential Russian interference in its upcoming presidential election, scheduled for May 18, while France plans to sign a "friendship treaty" with Poland on May 9.
- Various international intelligence services have warned about the threat of APT28 cyberattacks against NATO countries in 2024, particularly focusing on Ukraine to exert "constant pressure" in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.
