Ukraine Ministry of Defense and Major Bank Websites Hit by Cyberattack

On the 15th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Defense released photos of Russian army tanks returning from a bombardment training ground in Voronezh, western Russia. On this day, one day before the 16th, which the United States expected to be the start date of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that some units deployed near the Ukrainian border were returning to their main base. U.S. President Joe Biden held a press conference and stated that the withdrawal has not yet been verified.
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] On the 15th (local time), Ukrainian government authorities announced that military-related websites, including the Ministry of Defense, and two state-owned bank websites were subjected to cyberattacks, which may have been carried out by Russia, AFP reported on the same day.

The two banks affected are known to be the largest banks in Ukraine. The two bank websites were restored in the afternoon, but AFP reported that the military-related sites remained inaccessible several hours after the cyberattack.

Ukrainian authorities mentioned Russia, stating that the cyberattack could be a despicable trick.

A month ago, major Ukrainian government agency websites were also targeted by cyberattacks. At that time, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced a joint response policy with Ukraine, and the European Union (EU) declared it would mobilize all means to assist Ukraine.

The White House stated that it is aware of the cyberattacks against Ukraine and is assisting the Ukrainian government in investigation and response efforts.

That day marked the peak of tensions surrounding Ukraine, as the United States had anticipated the 16th as the start date of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Contrary to expectations, Russia withdrew some of its troops that day, making a conciliatory gesture to ease tensions. However, U.S. President Joe Biden held a press conference after the Russian Ministry of Defense's announcement of troop withdrawal, stating that the withdrawal had not been verified and that the risk of Russia invading Ukraine remains high.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.