Russia Denies Allegations of Involvement in Piracy Attacks on Cooling Systems in European Stores

Russia denied on Thursday allegations of involvement in cyber-piracy attacks targeting cooling systems in major retail chains across several European countries, describing the accusations as “baseless.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated at a press briefing that “the allegations concerning the alleged cyberattacks on the cooling systems of European retail chains are unfounded,” following reports that cooling and temperature-control systems in several European retail chains had been hacked.

In a separate matter, Peskov said that “Russia will ensure the full realization of its interests in the situation regarding Ukraine, whether through military or peaceful means,” adding that achieving this through peaceful means is possible if there is a party in Kyiv with sufficient political will. He emphasized that “ensuring Russian interests in Ukraine will not depend on developments in the United States.”

Regarding the anticipated meeting with First Lady Melania Trump, Peskov announced that all issues related to U.S. visa arrangements and logistical preparations for the participation of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova and Russian President’s Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation Kirill Dmitriev have been resolved. He clarified that Moskalkova and Dmitriev will represent Russia at the meeting with Melania Trump once the necessary arrangements for their participation are completed.

On Russian-Turkish relations, Peskov said that there are currently no specific plans for contacts between President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but that organizing such contacts could be done quickly.