**Pro-Ukrainian Hackers Target Aeroflot in Major Cyber Attack**

**The pro-Ukrainian hacker collective Silent Crow, alongside the Belarusian group Cyberpartisans, has claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on Aeroflot, resulting in significant operational disruption for the airline.**

Russia's national airline, Aeroflot, has reported widespread disruption due to a cyber attack claimed by the pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow, which alleged to have collaborated with the Belarusian group Cyberpartisans. Following the assault, Aeroflot canceled over 40 flights, primarily within Russia, as well as to Belarus and Armenia, drawing concern from the Kremlin.

Silent Crow proclaimed on Telegram that their "prolonged and large-scale operation" has "completely destroyed" Aeroflot's IT systems. The airline confirmed that passengers faced numerous delays due to issues with its information systems. Furthermore, the hackers threatened to leak the personal information of all individuals who have flown with Aeroflot in the past.

Meanwhile, Cyberpartisans uploaded a statement on their website affirming their commitment to support Ukrainians against Russian aggression through this cyber operation, intending to paralyze the largest airline in Russia. Anton Gorelkin, a Russian MP, responded by noting the multifaceted nature of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that the war is not just being fought militarily but digitally as well.

While the veracity of Silent Crow's claims has yet to be independently verified, the Russian prosecutor's office acknowledged disruptions to Aeroflot's IT systems resulting from a hacker attack, leading to an active criminal investigation.

The incident illustrates the ongoing digital warfare that has escalated since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Although such attacks have become commonplace, this specific incident has exerted a noticeable impact on Aeroflot, disrupting travel for thousands of people. The Cyberpartisans, established in 2022, have been consistently targeting Russians and their allies in support of Belarus's liberation movement against oppressive governance.

Disruptions to airline operations in Russia are not unfamiliar, as previous drone attacks have caused similar cancellations and delays, most notably in July, when rerouted flights affected countless travelers. As both pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian hacker groups continue to engage in cyber warfare, the true repercussions of such attacks on national infrastructure remain challenging to assess accurately.