Hacking Collective Anonymous Declares 'Cyber War' Against Vladimir Putin's Government

The hacking group known as 'Anonymous' has declared a 'cyber war' on Russia amid Vladimir Putin's decision for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The hackers' - represented by the image of the Guy Fawkes mask made famous in V For Vendetta - mission is 'for a better future for humanity'.

Putin announced his decision to invade during a televised address on Thursday morning (24 Feb).

However, the cyber group tweeted their intentions shortly before 10pm last night.

Via @YourAnonNews, they wrote: "The Anonymous collective is officially in cyber war against the Russian government."

Within 30 minutes of announcing, they shared that they'd taken down the website of Russian-backed TV channel RT, which broadcasts in Britain.

However, it now seems that the site is now back up and running, as of time of writing.

The group now have 6.5 million followers on Twitter and have been linked to online attacks around the world.

Their aim is to 'punish' governments for policies of which the hackers disapprove.

In terms of the war against Ukraine, 137 people are said to have died in the first day of attacks, reports Sky News, as 100,000 civilians have fled their homes.

Explosions sounded before dawn in Kyiv as Western leaders scheduled an emergency meeting as Ukraine President Mr Zelenskyy pleaded for international help.

The nature of the explosions was not immediately clear, but the blasts came amid signs that the capital and largest Ukrainian city was increasingly threatened following a day of fighting that left more than 100 Ukrainians dead.

Fearing a Russian attack on the capital city, thousands of people went deep underground as night fell on Thursday (24 February), jamming Kyiv’s subway stations.

Earlier, Mr Zelenskyy ordered a full military mobilisation to counter the Russian invasion which he said had led to 137 deaths.

Mr Zelenskyy said that despite Russia’s claim it is attacking only military targets, civilian sites also have been struck.

He added: “They’re killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets.

"It’s foul and will never be forgiven."

“As of today, our countries are on different sides of world history,” The Ukraine President tweeted yesterday (24 February).

“Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won’t give up its freedom.”

His adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said: “A full-scale war in Europe has begun… Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but the rules of normal life in the modern world.”