UK Sanctions Russian Media Outlets and Chinese Cyber Firms Citing 'Information Warfare'

Britain announced sanctions on Tuesday targeting Russian media channels, organisations and individuals it says are engaged in information operations, alongside two China-based companies accused of large-scale cyber activity against the U.K. and its allies.

Targets named by the Foreign Office include the Rybar Telegram channel and its co-owner Mikhail Sergeevich Zvinchuk; the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad (Pravfond), described by Estonian intelligence as a front for the GRU; and the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, a think tank run by ultranationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin.

Two China-based firms — i-Soon and the Integrity Technology Group — were also sanctioned for what the government called "vast and indiscriminate cyber activities" aimed at the U.K. and its partners.

Speaking at the Foreign Office in London, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that Britain and its allies face escalating "hybrid threats" designed to weaken critical infrastructure, undermine national interests and interfere in democratic processes.

"We should call this out for what it is: Russian information warfare. And we are defending ourselves," Cooper said, highlighting the growing use of generative AI and manipulated video to flood social media with disinformation.

British officials cited recent examples of influence operations, including fake websites and political advertising around Moldova's election and bogus news sites circulating videos with false claims about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife — all intended to erode support for Ukraine.

Cooper delivered the address as part of events marking the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties, a post–World War I set of agreements that helped secure peace in Europe. She also used the platform to press for stronger international cooperation at a time of uncertainty about alliance cohesion.

Although recent U.S. policy documents have questioned Europe's unity, Cooper said her talks in Washington — including a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — made "incredibly clear" the strength of U.S. commitment to NATO. "What I see in Europe is strength," she said, urging increased defence investment and closer allied action to counter hybrid threats.

These measures underscore a broader strategy that combines sanctions, diplomatic pressure and cyber-defence measures to push back against state-backed disinformation and digital attacks.