Russian Intelligence targets American messaging apps

On March 21, Kash Patel, Director of the FBI, informed that hackers linked to Russian intelligence are targeting messaging app accounts belonging to high-profile U.S. users. The campaign has focused on individuals of “high intelligence value,” including current and former government officials, military personnel, politicians, and journalists. Patel said the operation has already resulted in unauthorized access to thousands of accounts worldwide, allowing attackers to read messages, access contact lists, impersonate victims, and launch further phishing attacks.

The hackers have targeted platforms such as Signal and WhatsApp, often using phishing tactics to trick users into revealing verification codes and login credentials. Dutch intelligence agencies, including the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), said the campaign is global in scope and aimed at gaining access to sensitive information from government officials and other key figures. Signal acknowledged it is aware of such targeted attacks, which have led to some account takeovers.

Officials say the activity is part of a broader escalation in Russian cyber operations since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Cyberattacks have become a central element of Moscow’s hybrid warfare strategy, with Western governments accusing Russia of targeting critical infrastructure, conducting espionage, and attempting to influence political processes abroad.

Putin's envoy Dmitriev has denied media claims about a proposed deal with the US concerning Iran and Ukraine

Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Vladimir Putin, dismissed as “fake news” a report by Politico claiming that Russia had proposed a deal to the United States involving Iran and Ukraine. The article alleged that Moscow offered to limit intelligence sharing with Iran in exchange for Washington scaling back support for Ukraine. Dmitriev rejected the claim in a post on X, without providing further details.

The denial comes amid broader scrutiny of Russia’s ties with Iran during ongoing tensions in the Middle East. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Moscow has expanded intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Tehran. Meanwhile, Donald Trump declined to comment on whether Russia may be assisting Iran, dismissing a related question from a journalist.

The conflicting reports highlight growing uncertainty over Russia’s role in the region and its potential impact on the war in Ukraine, as geopolitical tensions continue to intersect across multiple fronts.

Slovak PM says Bratislava may follow Hungary and block EU loan for Ukraine

Robert Fico, Slovakia’s prime minister, said Slovakia could join Hungary in blocking a proposed €90 billion European Union loan for Ukraine, aligning with the position of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In an interview cited by European Pravda, Fico defended Orban’s stance, arguing that the dispute is tied to disruptions in Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.

Fico said Slovakia could consider taking a similar position under certain conditions, though he did not specify what might trigger such a move. He also claimed that halting oil transit through the pipeline is politically motivated and warned that excluding Russian energy could undermine Europe’s energy security.

The Slovak leader further criticized Volodymyr Zelensky and dismissed the idea of visiting Kyiv, saying he would not travel to Ukraine under the current circumstances. His comments highlight growing divisions within the European Union over support for Ukraine and relations with Russia.