According to Ukrinform, this is stated in a report from Microsoft.

The Microsoft report describes the cyberattacks observed by Microsoft researchers in detail and in chronological order. The report states that preparations for cyberattacks against Ukraine began a year before the full-scale invasion of Russia in March 2021.

Some attacks were accompanied by extensive espionage and intelligence activities. The cyberattacks not only tried to disrupt the systems of institutions in Ukraine, but also disrupted people’s access to reliable information and critical services, and sought to undermine the public’s trust in the country’s leadership.

Experts stress that Russia’s use of cyberattacks appears to be “strongly related and sometimes directly timed” to military operations targeting Ukrainian services and institutions.

“The devastating attacks we observed – about 40 targeting hundreds of systems – are particularly worrying: 32% of disruptive attacks were directly against Ukrainian government agencies at the national, regional and city level. It was stated that it targets organizations in the critical infrastructure sectors that may have a negative impact on the economy and the civilian population.

It was noted that Microsoft security teams are working closely with Ukrainian government officials and cybersecurity professionals in government and private organizations to identify and address threats to Ukrainian networks.

Microsoft believes that cyber attacks will continue. “Russian-linked perpetrators may be instructed to expand their subversive actions outside of Ukraine to avenge countries that have chosen to provide more military assistance to Ukraine and to take more punitive measures against the Russian government in response to aggression,” the report said.

As Ukrinform reported, on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops carry out intense bombardment of residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles, destroying infrastructure.

The United States, the European Union and other countries have imposed sanctions against the aggressive country, whose international isolation is increasing day by day. Many companies announced the cessation of work in Russia and their withdrawal from joint projects.