Russia is continuing its campaign of disinformation around the Ukraine war through advanced social engineering delivered by a threat group tracked as TA499.

According to a report from Proofpoint, TA499 targets US and European politicians, and leading businessmen and celebrities who have spoken out against Putin’s invasion. The primary purpose is to persuade the victims to take part in phone calls or video chats from which pro-Putin snippets can be elicited and published – thereby discrediting any previous anti-Putin comments.

It continues Russia’s efforts to fracture anti-Russian sentiment in North America and the EU with campaigns of disinformation. The European Parliament already contains numerous members opposed to any pro-Ukrainian activity – and Russia seeks to build on this.