Russia is preparing to unleash a wave of cyber attacks on the United Kingdom and its allies, aiming to weaken their support for Ukraine, a senior UK minister will caution today.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and responsible for national security, is set to address the NATO Cyber Defence Conference at Lancaster House in London. He will warn that Russia’s cyber warfare capabilities pose a significant threat, targeting British businesses and potentially plunging millions into darkness by crippling power grids.
Describing the cyber threat as a “hidden war” waged by the Kremlin, McFadden will highlight Russia’s aggressive and reckless tactics. He is expected to single out Unit 29155, a Russian group linked to numerous attacks across Europe, including the UK, and responsible for unprovoked assaults on NATO member states.
“Cyber war can be destabilizing and debilitating,” McFadden will state. “Russia’s capacity to shut down power grids and its willingness to attack British businesses in pursuit of malign goals demonstrates the scale of the threat. My message today is clear: no one should underestimate the Russian cyber threat to NATO. The danger is real.”
McFadden will point to at least nine cyber attacks by Russian-aligned groups targeting NATO allies, including critical national infrastructure. Recent intelligence reports accuse Unit 29155 of disrupting aid efforts to Ukraine and link them to high-profile incidents, including the 2018 Salisbury poisonings.
In the UK, a series of cyber attacks claimed by pro-Russian hacking groups have recently targeted local councils, with affected areas including Middlesbrough, Salford, Portsmouth, and Tees.
McFadden will highlight how Kremlin-backed “hacktivists” operate with impunity, allowed to target Western interests so long as they align with Putin’s objectives.
The minister’s remarks underscore growing concerns over Russia’s increasing reliance on cyber warfare to destabilize its adversaries while shielding itself from direct retaliation. As NATO allies convene, the focus will be on bolstering defenses against these mounting threats.
