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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine's enduring cyber defense: Assessing resilience and impact of shifting international support
From my vantage point, having recently attended the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum (KICRF) and witnessing firsthand the unwavering determination in the face of relentless digital aggression, the situation unfolding in Ukraine's cyber domain demands our unvarnished attention. The situation in Ukraine's cyber domain is not merely a theoretical exercise in network security; it directly impacts national sovereignty and societal resilience. What I observed in Kyiv was a nation locked in a persistent cyber struggle, primarily against the Kremlin's digital legions — The Federal Security Service (FSB), Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the Russian criminal actors — now further complicated by a significant shift in the international support landscape. The U.S. government appears to be withdrawing from the cybersecurity battlefield as evidenced by its wholesale reduction in personnel within key government entities, including the Critical Infrastructure Security Agency, and directives from administration leadership not to have national resources focus on Russian cyber activities. In addition to this, the unexpected closure of the USAID mission in Ukraine, leading to the reduction of support to Ukraine's ongoing cybersecurity efforts, casts a long shadow over Kyiv's digital defenses. This was further highlighted by the palpable concerns expressed during the KICRF and the embarrassing and inexplicable absence of U.S. government participation. The Russian attacks on Ukraine are multifaceted, targeting critical infrastructure — power grids, telecom networks, the financial system — to inflict maximum disruption, all designed to erode public confidence. One cannot forget that intelligence gathering remains a constant, insidious undertow. Add to that the weaponization of information and the relentless campaigns to pollute the information space, erode trust, and undermine Ukraine's narrative globally. Read also: Senate to 'start moving' Russia sanctions bill next week, Graham says Then we have the repeated deployment of wiper malware — digital scorched earth tactics — underscoring the destructive intent. And while ransomware may have a profit motive, its impact on essential services amplifies the overall vulnerability. Ukraine possesses a cadre of highly skilled cyber professionals, both within government agencies and the private sector, individuals who are actively engaged in the digital war. However, amid this digital maelstrom, Ukraine demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability that demands significant attention and admiration. This is not a nation caught entirely off guard. Years of Russian aggression in the Donbas, the annexation of Crimea, and the 2015 attack on Ukraine's power grid all served as a training ground, forcing Kyiv to harden its digital defenses. Crucially, the steady hand of international assistance — governments pooling resources through mechanisms like the Tallinn Accord, the strategic guidance of entities like the EU and NATO, and the often-unsung contributions of private sector cyber defenders — has provided a vital lifeline of expertise, technology, and funding. And let me be clear, Ukraine possesses a cadre of highly skilled cyber professionals, both within government agencies and the private sector, individuals who are actively engaged in the digital war. Their agility, their ability to adapt to evolving threats in real-time, is a testament to their resolve. As we have seen, this adaptability and teamwork are foundational to their cyber resilience. However, the cessation of USAID's programs, which included significant initiatives in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and digital transformation — areas where sustained support is paramount — injects a new and unwelcome element of uncertainty. The loss of this funding stream will undoubtedly create gaps in Ukraine's ability to modernize its defenses, train its personnel, and implement crucial security measures. The growing dependence on other international partners intensifies, placing greater pressure on those who remain dedicated to upholding Ukraine's digital sovereignty. This is where the global cyber ecosystem — both commercial and governmental, now operating with one less major player — faces a starker choice: stand by and watch the digital defenses fray or step into the breach with even greater resolve. For Ukrainian tech companies, this is not just a crisis; it is an even more urgent imperative to innovate under pressure. The demand for tailored cybersecurity solutions — threat intelligence platforms with local context, rapid incident response capabilities, and secure communication channels designed for a hostile environment — is now amplified. Investing in the next generation of cyber defenders through robust training and education programs is paramount. Strategic alliances with trusted international partners are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity for accelerated technology and knowledge transfer. For international companies, the call to action is now imbued with a greater sense of urgency. Providing Ukraine with access to the sharpest cyber tools — AI-driven threat detection, advanced endpoint protection, resilient cloud infrastructure — isn't just good PR; it is a strategic necessity to compensate for the receding U.S. presence. Investing in Ukraine's tech sector, establishing a local footprint, or forging genuine partnerships contributes to long-term stability and fills a growing void. More is needed to offset the USAID withdrawal. Read also: Russia 'testing' Europe's capacity to help Ukraine by intensifying air attacks The timely sharing of actionable threat intelligence is a cornerstone of the collective digital defense, now even more critical with potentially reduced intelligence sharing through formal U.S. channels. Supporting and contributing to cybersecurity education initiatives helps build a sustainable talent pipeline, which is crucial in light of potential limitations in U.S.-funded programs. Engaging in meaningful public-private partnerships and leveraging the unique strengths of all stakeholders are the only ways to build truly resilient defenses in this evolving landscape. Russia's cyber activity knows no geographic boundary. We must reject the notion that Russia's illegal war targets only Ukraine; Russia is at war with everyone. This is not about charity; it is about safeguarding the integrity of the global digital commons in the face of a persistent and emboldened adversary whose digital reach extends far beyond the physical borders of Ukraine. The imperative — and the heightened responsibility – to act decisively is now upon us. The unexpected withdrawal of a major player, the United States, only amplifies the urgency for others to step forward and fill the digital breach, recognizing that the digital front line in Ukraine is a frontline for us all. Submit an Opinion Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Saba Yemen
3 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Zakharova: No changes to Russian delegation for June 2 negotiations with Ukraine
Moscow - Saba: Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the composition of the Russian delegation for the upcoming negotiations with Ukraine on June 2 will remain unchanged. In response to a question about the delegation's makeup during an interview with Russia 1 on Thursday, Zakharova said, "The Russian delegation's composition remains the same, without changes." The first round of talks between Russia and Ukraine was held in Istanbul on May 16, following an invitation by Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 11 to resume negotiations. Kyiv agreed to participate in the meeting after U.S. President Donald Trump urged immediate acceptance of Putin's proposal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously conditioned negotiations with Moscow on a 30-day ceasefire. As a result of the meeting, the two sides agreed to a prisoner exchange under a "1,000 for 1,000" formula, detailed discussions on a potential ceasefire, and the continuation of negotiations. The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, expressed satisfaction with the meeting's outcomes. Representing Russia in the May 16 talks were: - Vladimir Medinsky, aide to the head of state; - Mikhail Galuzin, deputy foreign minister; - Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU); and - Alexander Fomin, deputy defense minister. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
India Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Putin, Trump to skip Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the official delegation that will represent Russia in renewed peace talks on the war in Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Turkey. While Putin himself will not participate in the talks, the Kremlin has emphasized the presence of seasoned officials and experts to lead the the Russian delegation will be Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who also took part in the early 2022 negotiation rounds following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Joining him are Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, and Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed addition to the lead negotiators, a team of senior experts has been designated to support the talks. These include Alexander Zorin, First Deputy Head of the General Staff's Information Department; Yelena Podobreyevskaya, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Humanitarian Policy; Alexey Polishchuk, Director of the Second CIS Department at the Foreign Ministry; and Viktor Shevtsov, Deputy Head of the Defense Ministry's International Military Cooperation Directorate. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov confirmed that discussions will begin on Thursday in Istanbul and will cover both political and technical matters. Putin formally extended an unconditional invitation to Ukraine to resume direct negotiations on May Zelenskyy SaidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had earlier stated he would only attend the meeting if Putin were present, has expressed skepticism over Russia's intentions. In a social media post on Wednesday, he noted Ukraine was monitoring the composition of the Russian delegation closely before deciding its signals from them in the media are unconvincing,' Zelenskyy wrote. "We also hear that President Trump is considering attending the meeting in Turkiye. That could become the strongest argument. This week really may change a lot -- but only may. Everything is being decided right now," he we held several meetings with the team regarding the format in Trkiye. I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should take. So far, the signals from them in the media are also hear that President Trump is Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 14, 2025Zelenskyy also thanked international partners for continuing to apply pressure on Moscow: "Russia is only prolonging the war and the killings. I want to thank every country, every leader who is now putting pressure on Russia, so that the shelling finally stops, so that meaningful negotiations can take place at a level where real decisions can be made. To everyone helping peace and diplomacy."Trump Not to Attend Turkey Peace TalksUS President Donald Trump will also not attend the upcoming Russia–Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, following days of speculation about a surprise had suggested he might alter his Middle East travel schedule to join the negotiations, claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin "would like me to be there."advertisementHowever, after the Kremlin confirmed Putin would not be present and named his delegation instead, US officials told CNN that Trump will not be attending negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were held in Belarus and Turkey in early 2022, but ultimately collapsed without agreement. The upcoming talks mark the most serious effort in over two years to re-engage in direct diplomacy.(With input from agencies)Must Watch
India Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
After Putin and Trump, Zelenskyy to skip Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend the upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in opting out of direct Ukraine's delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and include senior military and intelligence officials, according to a presidential decree published in Ankara alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan, Zelenskyy criticized the composition of Russia's delegation, accusing Moscow of not taking the negotiations "Russia does not feel it needs to end the war, which means there is not enough pressure—political, economic or otherwise—on the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy said, calling for tougher sanctions. He also described the Russian envoys as 'stand-in props' and reiterated his call for a face-to-face meeting with Putin.'You want to meet? Let's meet,' Zelenskyy said, adding, 'There was no time, no agenda, no high-level delegation from Russia. I believe the U.S. and Turkey feel Russia's disrespect.'Earlier, Trump confirmed he would not attend the Istanbul summit despite earlier hints that he might reroute his Middle East trip to join. He claimed no peace deal would materialize 'until Putin and I get together.'Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced that the official delegation would represent Russia during the peace talks in Turkey over the ongoing war in aide Vladimir Medinsky will head the Russian delegation and he will be joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, and Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Watch
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Putin not attending talks with Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending direct talks with Ukraine to resolve the ongoing war. Speculation on whether Putin would attend the direct talks has hung over the meeting since he had proposed it himself last week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had said he would attend the talks if Putin were present. But the Russian leader on Wednesday announced that he would not be joining a delegation of experienced negotiators. An order issued by Putin on the Kremlin website said it included two officials who took part in the last set of talks held between the two sides in the first weeks following Russia's 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour. Those included presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin. Also named as part of the delegation was Igor Kostyukov, director of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the GRU, Russia's Foreign Military Intelligence Agency. Kostyukov was identified in the Kremlin announcement as Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin was also named as part of the delegation. Negotiators held several rounds of talks in 2022 first in Belarus and then in Turkey, but the negotiations eventually broke down.
