The EU countries, while discussing the situation around Ukraine, expressed their readiness, if necessary, to adopt a set of sanctions against Russia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said this on Monday after the EU Council meeting in Brussels.
"This meeting showed a great degree of agreement between the Europeans and the United States. This cohesion is very important," he said, adding that diplomatic efforts are underway in connection with the escalation along the Ukrainian border.
"I was greatly impressed by the firmness of the Europeans and their willingness to jointly present a set of sanctions, measures to contain Russia in order to prevent an offensive - military or otherwise - in Ukraine," Le Drian said.
On the night of January 14, the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food were subjected to massive cyberattacks. Hackers posted messages warning residents to "fear and expect the worst." In addition, Ukrainians were warned that the allegedly personal information of residents of the country, which was uploaded to the "common network," would be destroyed without the possibility of recovery.
According to Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Sergei Demedyuk, hackers associated with the intelligence services of Belarus are behind the cyber attack on Ukrainian departments. Later, a criminal case was opened on the fact of the cyber attack.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted that the United States is in contact with Ukraine regarding the incident, and also offered its assistance in the investigation. According to her, the United States, its allies, and partners are "concerned about this cyberattack."
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the organization will sign an agreement with Ukraine on strengthening cyber cooperation. He condemned cyberattacks on the government of Ukraine.
On December 21, the American newspaper New York Times reported that the United States and Great Britain secretly sent a group of cybersecurity specialists to Ukraine. As specified, the West wants to help Kiev to be ready for allegedly preparing cyber attacks.
