Ukrainian Woman Charged in U.S. for Assisting Russian-Backed Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova, a 33-year-old Ukrainian national, was arraigned Tuesday in a federal court after being extradited to the United States earlier this year. She faces serious charges for allegedly assisting Russian-backed cyber groups in a series of attacks targeting critical U.S. infrastructure. Prosecutors say Dubranova worked with two hacking organizations, CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn (CARR) and NoName057(16), both reportedly supported by Russian government entities to advance Moscow’s geopolitical objectives.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed indictments accusing Dubranova of participating in dozens of cyberattacks that caused tangible damage to vital systems. Among the most alarming incidents was a November 2024 breach at a Los Angeles meat processing plant, which resulted in the spoilage of thousands of pounds of product and the release of hazardous ammonia gas. Additionally, attacks linked to these groups reportedly disrupted public water systems, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of drinking water and forcing evacuations.
According to the DOJ, CARR was established and funded by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, and operated a Telegram channel boasting over 75,000 followers to coordinate and publicize its activities. NoName057(16), described as a Russia-linked hacktivist collective, has claimed responsibility for more than 1,500 attacks between March 2022 and June 2025. Their targets have included government agencies, telecommunications providers, military installations, financial institutions, and transportation authorities.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasized the department’s resolve in combating such threats, stating, “Today’s actions demonstrate the Department’s commitment to disrupting malicious Russian cyber activity — whether conducted directly by state actors or their criminal proxies — aimed at furthering Russia’s geopolitical interests.” He added, “We remain steadfast in defending essential services, including food and water systems Americans rely on each day, and holding accountable those who seek to undermine them.”
In parallel with the charges against Dubranova, the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or arrest of others connected to these pro-Russian hacking groups.
Dubranova, who has also been known by online aliases such as Vika, Tory, and SovaSonya, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The indictments allege she played a key role in facilitating cyberattacks that jeopardized national security and public safety. The case underscores the growing threat posed by state-sponsored cyber operations targeting critical infrastructure in the United States.
The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency continue to investigate these hacking groups and their networks. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in preventing future attacks.
As cyber threats evolve, the U.S. government has increased efforts to disrupt hostile operations and protect essential services. The DOJ’s pursuit of individuals like Dubranova reflects a broader strategy to hold accountable those who exploit digital vulnerabilities to inflict real-world harm.
For more information on protecting infrastructure and reporting cyber incidents, see resources from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
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