UK helps Ukraine strengthen its cyber defenses | World News

Britain said on Sunday it would expand its plans to help Ukraine’s cyber defenses as it launches a counteroffensive against Russia.

In the announcement, the British government said it would provide another 16 million pounds ($20.5 million) in funding, with a potential further 9 million pounds from international allies.

London said the package, building on the £6.35 million announced last year, would better equip Ukraine to protect its critical national infrastructure from Russian attacks as Kiev launched a counteroffensive that knocked Russian troops from their occupied territory. The southern and eastern regions of Ukraine repelled.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Russia’s horrific attacks on Ukraine have not been limited to their savage land incursions, but have also involved a sickening attempt to attack their network infrastructure that provides vital services, from banks to energy supplies, and beyond. to the innocent people of Ukraine.”

“This funding is critical to stopping these attacks, strengthening Ukraine’s cyber defenses, and improving the country’s ability to detect and disable malware targeting them.”

At a conference next week, Sunak will also call on entrepreneurs and businesses to invest more in Ukraine to help rebuild the country’s economy after the Russian invasion.