Russia carried out cyber attack on satellite network just before invasion, according to EU

The European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States accuse Russia of carrying out a cyber attack on a satellite network just before its invasion of Ukraine. The cyber attack not only affected Ukraine, but also European internet users.

According to the European Union, on February 24, one hour before the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia issued a cyber attack carried out on the KA-SAT satellite network. This network is operated by the company Viasat and provides services to government institutions and companies in Ukraine, as well as in several Member States of the European Union.

The cyber attack caused damage in Ukraine, but also caused internet services in EU member states to go down. Windmills in Germany also came to a standstill due to the attack, according to the British security service.

The European Union calls the attack unacceptable. Russia has not yet responded to the allegations. To date, Russia has denied any involvement in cyberattacks that took place in Ukraine before or during the war.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the country has accused Russia of cyber attacks several times. Ukrainian authorities also say they have evidence for some attacks. Government institutions and banks, among others, are said to be the target of attacks by hackers.