Officials highlighted fake websites and political ads during Moldova’s recent election as they tracked attempts to erode public trust.
They also identified fabricated news platforms spreading altered videos with false claims about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to weaken support for Ukraine.
The UK responded on Tuesday by announcing sanctions against Russian media and ideological outlets as its foreign minister urged Western nations to improve their defence against information warfare from hostile states.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed sanctions on the Telegram channel Rybar, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise, which Estonian intelligence links to Russia’s GRU.
She also sanctioned two China-based companies for launching broad cyber operations against the UK and its partners.
UK Warns Allies About Intensifying Hybrid Threats
Cooper used a Foreign Office speech in London to warn that Britain and its allies now face escalating hybrid threats aimed at weakening critical infrastructure, damaging national interests, and disrupting democratic systems.
She described these actions as clear examples of Russian information warfare and said Britain continues to defend itself.
She also noted that these threats include physical sabotage and sophisticated disinformation campaigns that flood social platforms with AI-generated and manipulated videos targeting Western backing for Ukraine.
British officials cited fake sites and targeted political ads in Moldova’s election and false videos about Zelenskyy and his wife circulating online to weaken international unity.
Cooperation Stressed Amid Global Tensions
Cooper delivered the address on the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties, which strengthened European stability after World War I.
She emphasised the need for international cooperation at a moment when US President Donald Trump has unsettled long-standing alliances and raised concerns about America’s commitment to NATO.
Cooper met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Monday and said their discussions demonstrated strong US support for NATO.
