Foreign Minister Mikser: Estonia supports the UK and the Netherlands in standing up against irresponsible cyber attacks

Statement by Foreign Minister Sven Mikser: "Today we have seen confirmations of serious instances of trying to undermine stability in cyberspace. Estonia supports the assessment revealed by the UK National Cyber Security Centre identifying a campaign by the Russian military intelligence service GRU to organise cyber attacks against civilian targets worldwide. Furthermore, we stand by the Netherlands following today’s announcement by Dutch Defence Minister Anke Bijleveld about the prevention of a cyber attack on the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the subsequent deportation of four GRU officers."

Cyber attacks against international institutions, democratic elections and civilian critical infrastructure decrease stability in cyberspace and undermine the rules-based international order. Cyber attacks pose a risk for resilience and integrity of the digital domain, on which our economies and societies depend. Such attacks disrespect the norms of responsible state behavior and violate international law."

Cyber attacks causing serious economic and political consequences cannot be tolerated. Estonia expresses solidarity with the UK and the Netherlands in standing up against irresponsible cyber attacks and finding the appropriate response together with allies."

Additional information:

Britta Tarvis
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]
+372 637 7627 / +372 5194 7045