Britain calls on EU to sanction Russia for cyberwarfare campaign

British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt urged his European counterparts to impose sanctions on Russia over its cyberwarfare activities in an attempt to deal a blow to the Kremlin’s worldwide web of interference.

Officials were also asked to join in a public naming and shaming of targets in a new EU sanctions regime on chemical weapons.

The new measures were pushed by the UK in response to Russia’s nerve agent attack on British soil in March. Mr Hunt called for a united approach even in the face of divisions that have emerged with the Brexit deadline looming.

Also on the table are other “global emerging threats” such as migration and terrorism that “will only be tackled if we maintain close co-operation”.

“This is a crucial week both for the UK and our European partners. The importance of achieving a Brexit deal that respects the autonomy of the EU and the sovereignty of the UK cannot be overstated,” Mr Hunt said.

“Delivering this is vital for our security too because economic relations sit at the heart of all our partnerships, including the vital security alliances we have with our friends in Europe.”

This month the Dutch government accused Russia of attempting to hack the world chemical weapons watchdog in a brazen cyber attack.

The UK previously accused Russia of “reckless and indiscriminate cyber attacks” that include targeting the US Democratic Party’s headquarters.

Reports state new EU sanctions on chemical weapons will first focus on Russian military intelligence officers Anatoliy Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, who allegedly were involved in the novichok poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, in southern England.

Another resident of the town, who was not an intended target, died after coming into contact with the nerve agent.

The sanctions would involve an EU-wide travel ban and/or asset freeze on those involved in the development and use of chemical weapons.

Russia repeatedly denied the accusation and insists the two men were visiting Salisbury to see the city’s cathedral. Media reports that the two were decorated Russian military officials and agents have been derided as propaganda spread by UK intelligence services.

An EU diplomat supportive of the measures said it was crucial that the pressure on Russia did not relent amid reported divisions on how to deal with Moscow’s nefarious activity in Europe.

“That would break the unity around the political message and the narrative. That would be considered a victory in Moscow,” the diplomat told the Financial Times.

The sanctions are, however, not expected to focus purely on Russia and could look at the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons.

The sanctions would involve an EU-wide travel ban and/or asset freeze on those involved in using chemical weapons