EU official statements or credible international news sources

Germany Accuses Russia of 2023 Cyberattack on SPD, Defence Sectors

May 3, 2024, 11:05 AM

Germany has formally accused Russia of orchestrating a cyberattack in 2023 targeting the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is part of the governing coalition. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the attack was carried out by Russian military intelligence, specifically the GRU, and involved state-sponsored hackers from the APT28 group. The cyberattack targeted not only the SPD but also the defence and aerospace sectors, and was described as an unacceptable act of interference in Germany's domestic affairs. In response, Germany has warned of consequences and has taken diplomatic steps by summoning the acting Russian ambassador to express its concerns. Additionally, the German government has called on Russia to cease such cyber activities.