France will summon the Russian ambassador in the coming days after accusing Moscow of orchestrating a widespread cyberattack campaign against several European countries, including France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Monday.
Barrot said France would also impose sanctions on nine Russian individuals and four entities allegedly involved in the campaign, which he said was directed by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
“We will also impose sanctions on nine individuals and four entities responsible for this cyber campaign, which was orchestrated by the FSB,” Barrot told BFM TV/RMC.
According to Barrot, the attacks targeted government ministries, companies, and service operators with the aim of gathering intelligence or disrupting operations. He cited attacks on rail infrastructure in Poland as one example of the alleged sabotage.
“Today, we will publicly condemn a widespread cyber campaign conducted by Russia that aimed to carry out sabotage and spying against a dozen countries,” Barrot said. He added that France would summon the Russian ambassador “in the coming days.”
Barrot said French authorities had detected the attacks and had significantly strengthened the country’s cyber defences in response.
Russia has not publicly responded to the latest accusations. Moscow has repeatedly denied carrying out cyberattacks against Western countries.
