New Zealand has imposed sanctions on Russian military intelligence hackers accused of launching destructive cyberattacks against Ukraine, including members of a notorious GRU unit previously linked to high-profile espionage and sabotage campaigns.
The sanctions target Unit 29155 of Russia’s GRU intelligence agency. The group, also known as Cadet Blizzard and Ember Bear, is accused of orchestrating the 2022 WhisperGate malware attack on Ukrainian government networks that took place just before Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and a prohibition on New Zealand citizens and businesses providing financial support to the named individuals and entities.
Western intelligence agencies say Unit 29155 has played a major role in Russia’s hybrid warfare, engaging in cyber operations, disinformation, and even assassination plots across Europe. A 2024 US indictment accused several of its members of targeting global efforts to support Ukraine and offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to their arrest.
In January, the EU sanctioned three of its alleged operatives for cyberattacks on Estonia. In July, the UK added Unit 29155 to its sanctions list for reconnaissance operations tied to deadly missile strikes in Ukraine.