GCHQ Head Anne Keast-Butler States Russia Threatens UK Critical Infrastructure

The head of the British intelligence service GCHQ, Anne Keast-Butler, stated in her first public speech that Russia deliberately threatens critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains, and public trust in the United Kingdom.

She noted that GCHQ works tirelessly to repel cyberattacks and counter what she calls «reckless sabotage and assassination attempts». GCHQ collaborates with intelligence and defense partners to weaken the Russian threat. The Kremlin denies accusations of espionage plots and «hybrid warfare» against Britain and NATO countries.

GCHQ is the largest of the three British intelligence agencies, specializing in cybersecurity and signals intelligence. On May 26, the UK imposed new sanctions on cryptocurrency networks used to circumvent British sanctions. On May 20, the UK government applied an exception to sanctions against Russia, allowing the import of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude oil in third countries.