German government spokesman Steffen Seibert
Germany accused Russia on Friday of carrying out cyber-attacks on Western countries and international organizations.
Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman claimed that recent investigations showed the role of Russian military intelligence agency GRU behind these attacks.
“We strongly condemn such attacks on international organizations and government institutions of our allies. And we call on Russia to meet its responsibilities and stop such acts,” Steffen Seibert said.
Russia is summoning the Dutch ambassador in Moscow, Russian news agencies cited a diplomatic source as saying on Friday.The reports did not give a reason, but the news comes a day after Dutch authorities said they had disrupted an attempt in April by Russian intelligence agents to hack the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, detaining and then expelling four men.Russian warplane crashes in MoscowIndia, Russia sign S-400 air defense system deal
Russia to summon Dutch ambassador
The U.K. accused Russia on Thursday of “indiscriminate and reckless” cyber-attacks on Western countries, and the Dutch government said it had recently disrupted a cyber-attack by Russia on the Hague-based international chemical weapons watchdog OPCW.
Seibert said the German government has “full confidence” in the findings of investigations carried out by British and Dutch authorities.
He said such cyber-attacks pose a threat to public security and democracy.
Russia dismissed the claims of the British and Dutch governments on Thursday.
“The West’s spy mania is gaining momentum,” Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Indian and Russia leaders on Friday signed the deal for five Russian S-400 Triumf missile shield systems, according to media reports, with an official statement expected later in the day.After arriving in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Friday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad house where formal talks for the 19th annual India-Russia bilateral summit are going on.The S-400 is one of the world's most advanced long-range air defense systems. India had already indicated that it would go ahead with the S-400 deal, notwithstanding possible sanctions.Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa told reporters, “As and when the government approves it, delivery [of the missiles] will be in 24 months."Video: Putin meets Modi in New Delhi for annual summit talksThe U.S. has warned that under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), it can impose sanctions on any country that has “significant transactions” with Iran, North Korea, or Russia.Separately, the U.S. has urged Turkey against purchasing the S-400 systems, with Turkey insisting this is a national decision.Modi and Putin are also discussing the issues of security challenges in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, the threat of terrorism from Pakistan, and regional and global issues. India is also planning to acquire four Krivak-class frigates from Russia, two of which will be built in India. Under the $2.5 billion deal, two ships will be built at the Goa shipyard and two others will be acquired from Russia. India already operates six similar frigates, said a report in India.This is the third meeting between the Modi and Putin after the informal meeting in the Russian resort city of Sochi in May and a bilateral one on the sidelines of the July BRICS summit in South Africa.India risks US sanctions with $5-bln purchase of Russian missiles
India, Russia sign S-400 air defense system deal