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Thursday, Jan 15, 2026
Outside the box.
US Indicts Five Russian Officers for Ukraine Cyberattacks
The United States has charged five Russian military officers for alleged cyberattacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure prior to the Russian invasion. FBI special agent William DelBagno noted that the January 2022 WhisperGate malware attack could be seen as the 'first shot of the war.' A Russian civilian, Amin Timovich Stigal, has also been charged, and the US State Department is offering one dollar sixty million for information leading to their arrest.
The United States has charged five Russian military officers for alleged cyberattacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure prior to the Russian invasion, as announced in Washington on Thursday.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen disclosed the indictments of these GRU military intelligence members involved in the 'WhisperGate' cyber campaign.
According to Olsen, this campaign targeted Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, impacting financial systems, agriculture, emergency services, healthcare, and schools.
FBI special agent William DelBagno commented that the January 2022 WhisperGate malware attack could be seen as the 'first shot of the war.' The cyberattacks also extended to the US and NATO countries supporting Ukraine.
In addition to the indicted military officers, a Russian civilian, Amin Timovich Stigal, has been charged with conspiracy related to this cyber campaign.
The US State Department is offering $60 million for information leading to their arrest.
The Justice Department revealed WhisperGate was a destructive cyberweapon masked as ransomware, while US Attorney Erek Barron linked the indicted officers to unit 29155 of the GRU.
This indictment coincides with other actions against Russia, including accusations against its state-funded news outlet RT for influencing the upcoming US presidential election.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen disclosed the indictments of these GRU military intelligence members involved in the 'WhisperGate' cyber campaign.
According to Olsen, this campaign targeted Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, impacting financial systems, agriculture, emergency services, healthcare, and schools.
FBI special agent William DelBagno commented that the January 2022 WhisperGate malware attack could be seen as the 'first shot of the war.' The cyberattacks also extended to the US and NATO countries supporting Ukraine.
In addition to the indicted military officers, a Russian civilian, Amin Timovich Stigal, has been charged with conspiracy related to this cyber campaign.
The US State Department is offering $60 million for information leading to their arrest.
The Justice Department revealed WhisperGate was a destructive cyberweapon masked as ransomware, while US Attorney Erek Barron linked the indicted officers to unit 29155 of the GRU.
This indictment coincides with other actions against Russia, including accusations against its state-funded news outlet RT for influencing the upcoming US presidential election.
