Russia rejects EU and UK cyber-attack accusations and sanctions

Russia rejected accusations by the European Union and Britain that its intelligence agencies were behind a campaign of cyber attacks on Europe.

London and Brussels announced coordinated sanctions on Monday against Russia over what they called the Russian state's persistent and increasingly reckless attempts to create chaos and division across Europe.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia did not accept the accusations. He said they were baseless, were not substantiated and were not backed by evidence.

Peskov also said Russia considered the sanctions illegal. The measures targeted officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. He said the sanctions would not change Moscow's policy.

Peskov said Russia had adapted to what he described as tens of thousands of sanctions imposed on the country. He said Russia had learned how to get around them and reduce their negative impact, and would continue to do so.

Moscow has for years been accused of cyber attacks, attempted election interference and digital sabotage targeting NATO countries.