In an ominous new development earlier today, Ukrainian government websites were hit with a cyberattack that posted messages to "be afraid and expect the worst." From Reuters:
"Ukrainian officials were investigating the huge cyberattack, which they said hit around 70 internet sites of government bodies including the ministry of foreign affairs, cabinet of ministers, and security and defence council. Though they avoided directly accusing Moscow, they made clear Russia was suspected.
'Ukrainian! All your personal data was uploaded to the public network. All data on the computer is destroyed, it is impossible to restore it,' said a message visible on hacked government websites, written in Ukrainian, Russian and Polish.
'All information about you has become public, be afraid and expect the worst. This is for your past, present and future.'
Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters it was too early to say who could be behind the attack but Russia had been behind similar strikes in the past. Russia did not immediately comment but has previously denied being behind cyber attacks, including against Ukraine." (our emphasis)
Meanwhile, Russia released pictures of additional forces deploying, in addition to the estimated 100,000 near the border with Ukraine.
Talks with Russia over their aggression have not produced a de-escalation of Russia's attempt to bring Ukraine back into its "sphere of influence" by force if necessary. NATO has rejected thug Vladimir Putin's demand that NATO not accept any future Ukraine membership, and to demilitarize former eastern European satellites of the Soviet Union who now belong to NATO, another unacceptable demand.
In a late development, Russian officials say they are not ruling out deploying Russian forces in Venezuela or Cuba in retaliation for NATO's stance, something that the U.S. has dismissed as "bluster."
BONUS: CNN is reporting that U.S. intelligence has learned of a "false flag" operation by Russian intelligence operatives in Ukraine to provide a pretext for a Russian incursion.
