France Summons Russian Diplomat Over Massive FSB-Linked Cyberattacks on Ministries and Rail
France has formally accused Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) of orchestrating a large-scale cyberespionage campaign targeting government ministries, rail operators, and private companies, and has summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires in Paris to protest the attacks.
The French Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires on July 17, escalating a diplomatic confrontation over what officials describe as hybrid warfare [199763]. The General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) linked the cyberattacks to Russian domestic intelligence, accusing the FSB of targeting French institutions and infrastructure with the goal of “capturing information or sabotaging operations” [194933][199763]. The campaign, allegedly carried out by a cyberespionage group known as “Turla,” hit French ministries and a research institute working on sensitive subjects [194929]. In response, France announced it would formally summon the Russian ambassador in the coming days [194929].
The move marks a significant shift from diplomatic caution to public confrontation over Russian hybrid activities, which also include acts of sabotage and drone flyovers [199763]. The FSB unit allegedly behind the attacks is a known cyberespionage group [194929]. Officials say the campaign was designed to undermine French security and disrupt critical infrastructure [194933].