Russia’s Ambassador Throws Hurling the UK’s Cyber‑Crime Accusations Into the Trash
What the UK, Canada and the US Claimed
Last Thursday the three countries charged that a Russian cyber‑attack was in full swing, targeting research into COVID‑19 vaccines. They blamed a shadowy group called APT29, also nicknamed “Cozy Bear,” for the alleged data‑theft hustle.
Our Own Russian Voice—Cool & Mumbled
During a BBC interview, Russia’s envoy to London, Andrei Kelin, made one clear statement: “I don’t believe in this story at all; it makes zero sense.” He said he first learned of these “hackers” from British tabloids, and that attributing a cyber‑attack to a single nation is, as he puts it, “impossible.”
Who’s Really Behind the Alleged “Cozy Bear”?
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says:
- APT29 likely works for Russian intelligence.
- They use spear‑phishing, custom malware like WellMess and WellMail.
- Another tool, called “CozyDuke,” drops a backdoor and shelves data to a command‑and‑control server.
- They’re constantly patching their malware—changing cryptography, trojan routines, and anti‑detection features—to stay ahead.
Election Interference? Russian Twist Again
Earlier this year, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused “Russian actors” of leaking sensitive trade documents during the 2019 general election. Kelin, however, brushed it off, saying that Russia doesn’t meddle and that whether the Conservatives or Labour lead Britain, Russia aims only “to improve relations.”
Closing Thoughts: A Cold‑War‑Style Show‑down
Raab called Russia’s intelligence services “utterly unacceptable” attackers on the vaccine front, while promising that the UK will keep fighting these digital saboteurs. Meanwhile, Kelin remains skeptical—maybe he’s just not seeing the full picture.
So, who’s really pulling the strings? That remains a mystery as yet, but the drama is as palpable as ever.
