Kosovo’s government reportedly faces Kremlin-backed cyberattacks

Russian hackers recently targeted government websites in Kosovo, officials in Pristina said earlier this week. 

The government spokesperson told local media in a statement on Wednesday that several websites were temporarily unavailable due to a distributed denial-of-service incident.

“The attack was carried out by Russian hackers in retaliation for our support of Ukraine with military equipment,” he added.

According to local media reports, the incident affected the websites of the president and prime minister.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said during a press conference earlier this week that Russia’s digital efforts are part of its “hybrid war,” which, if successful, would result in the destabilization of Kosovo’s security, stability, and welfare institutions.

Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla-Schwarz said that Russia is going after Kosovo following the announcement that it would provide military equipment to Ukraine “in its justified defense against Russian genocidal aggression.”

Russia is attacking 🇽🇰 in a hybrid attack today, following our announcement of support in military equipment for Ukraine in its justified defense against Russian genocidal aggression. We know from Serbia's genocide against 🇽🇰 that only military means do halt genocide. 🇽🇰✌️🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/DfSAzUMG2u

— Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz (@gervallaschwarz) May 7, 2024

Earlier this week, Gervalla-Schwarz said in an interview that Kosovo's support for Ukraine is “unconditional” and that she is convinced that Russia must be defeated in the war to ensure the security of Europe.

It is common for Russia to punish countries that express support for Ukraine or provide military aid.

Another ally of Ukraine, Moldova, said recently that pro-Russian hackers are increasingly targeting the country’s websites, likely in retaliation for its support for Ukraine. Moldovan state officials have also called these attacks part of Russia’s hybrid war.