New Zealand Sanctions Russian Hackers and Propaganda Groups Over Ukraine War Involvement

New Sanctions Imposed

New Zealand announced new sanctions against 33 Russian individuals and entities. These measures target those identified as supporting Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, specifically focusing on roles in cyberattacks, propaganda dissemination, and alleged involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children.

Focus on Cyber Activities

Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that 'activities conducted behind a keyboard can have real consequences,' highlighting the increasing use of cyber actors for intelligence gathering, sanctions evasion, and disruption. The sanctions aim to counter Moscow's use of these actors, aligning New Zealand with international partners.

Key Individuals Targeted

Among the sanctioned individuals are Yuliya Pankratova and Denis Degtyarenko, members of the pro-Russian hacktivist group Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (CARR). The U.S. Treasury previously sanctioned them in 2024 for alleged cyber operations against U.S. critical infrastructure. Pankratova is identified as CARR's leader, and Degtyarenko as a primary hacker, accused of compromising an industrial control system at a U.S. energy company.

Aleksandr Volosovik, known as 'Yalishanda,' was also sanctioned. U.S. prosecutors accuse him of operating Media Land, a Russian bulletproof hosting provider allegedly used by cybercriminals to attack organizations including hospitals and banks. Andrey Averyanov, a senior Russian military intelligence officer who commanded GRU Unit 29155, was also included in the sanctions list. This unit has been linked to cyberattacks and other covert operations by Western governments.

International Alignment

Many of the designated individuals have been previously accused by the United States and other Western governments of malicious cyber activity. New Zealand's sanctions reinforce a coordinated international response to actions perceived as undermining global security and stability.