US intelligence believes that Russia, instead of invading Ukrainian territory, can carry out a cyberattack that will disable the power grid, banking system and "other important components of the economy and government of Ukraine." To prevent this, the United States and the United Kingdom sent cybersecurity experts to Ukraine.
According to the New York Times newspaper, citing US intelligence assessments, Russia would thus try to expose Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as "inept and defenseless, and possibly provide a pretext for an invasion."
It is not specified how many people are included in this group. In addition, the US authorities are also considering the possibility of attracting the resources of the US Cyber Command.
One of the representatives of American intelligence explained that conducting a cyberattack "will not require the occupation" of Ukraine, and can also help Russia avoid sanctions that "almost certainly will follow" in the event of an invasion. The sources of the publication believe that the Russian side may carry out a cyberattack after Orthodox Christmas, at the end of the first week of January.
Washington has not officially confirmed the information about sending a team of specialists. The US administration stated that it "has long supported Ukraine's efforts to strengthen cyber defense and increase its cyber resilience."
The media wrote that the United States expects 175 thousand Russian troops to attack Ukraine in early 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on this topic, said that Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy, but has the right to protect its security.
The press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia moves troops within its territory and at its discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not worry anyone.
