The Netherlands considers Russia’s GRU responsible for cyber attacks against Georgia

The Netherlands shares the assessment of Georgia and international partners that the unwarranted large-scale and disruptive cyber attacks against Georgia that took place on 28 October 2019 were carried out by the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence service.

The attacks resulted in widespread defacement of websites, including sites belonging to the Georgian government, courts, NGOs, media and businesses. These disruptive operations also interrupted the service of several national broadcasters. The GRU undermined Georgia’s sovereignty and disrupted the lives of ordinary Georgian people.

These actions transgress the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, as agreed upon by the United Nations, and show contempt for the international rules-based order.

We will continue to strengthen resilience in the digital domain, for example by furthering our international cyber capacity building efforts. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to promote accountability in the digital domain.