Introduction: A New Era of Cyber Collaboration
For years, the landscape of cyber operations linked to Russian state interests was defined by fierce rivalry and distinct tactical approaches. Most importantly, notorious Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups like Gamaredon and Turla—traditionally known as separate entities—are now observed merging their operational frameworks to target Ukraine. This transition in cyber strategy signals a critical shift in the dynamics of the modern cyber battlefield.
Because the threat environment continuously evolves, it is essential to understand this new alliance and its potential implications. Therefore, the transformation from competition to collaboration not only affects Ukrainian defenses but also reshapes the broader context of international cybersecurity. In light of reports from top cybersecurity outlets such as SecurityAffairs and Infosecurity Magazine, we delve into how these groups are merging their skills and resources.
Historic Rivalry Gives Way to Tactical Collaboration
Traditionally, groups such as Gamaredon and Turla maintained separate operational agendas that reflected their unique origins in different segments of the Russian security apparatus. Gamaredon, also known by aliases including Shuckworm and Armageddon, was recognized for its broad, disruptive attacks primarily targeting Ukrainian governmental and defense entities. Conversely, Turla—also referred to as Snake or Uroburos—carried out more surgical, intelligence-driven operations targeting high-profile diplomatic and military assets both within Ukraine and internationally.
Besides that, each group inherited distinct capabilities from their respective intelligence divisions. Turla is deeply rooted in long-standing traditions of foreign intelligence, emerging from the lineage of the KGB’s 16th Directorate, whereas Gamaredon stems from internal security operations tied to FSB’s Center 18. Because of these origins, historic competition was the norm as each branch vied for operational supremacy. However, recent evidence indicates a pragmatic shift where rivalry is setting aside differences for a tactical alignment that reinforces overall mission impact.
Documented Collaboration in Ukraine
Recent investigations spearheaded by security firm ESET have uncovered concrete evidence of a coordinated effort between Gamaredon and Turla in Ukraine. From February to April 2025, analysts observed that Gamaredon’s preparatory operations—such as deploying initial tools and restarting target systems—were seamlessly followed by the execution of Turla’s advanced backdoor malware on carefully selected targets. This tactical handoff constitutes a new operating model that merges the broad-scope incursions of Gamaredon with the precision intelligence work typical of Turla.
Most importantly, technical analyses revealed novel linkages between the two groups. For instance, Gamaredon’s downloader, PteroGraphin, played a significant role in relaunching Turla’s Kazuar malware when initial attempts to activate it failed. Because of this operational interdependence, there were cases where Turla commands were directly issued through infrastructures established by Gamaredon. This integrated attack chain, as reported by The Hacker News, demonstrates a level of sophistication and coordination that increases the risk profile for Ukrainian cyber defenses.
Broader Trend: Russian Hacktivism and Changing Alliances
The evolving situation in Ukraine is not solely a matter of state-backed APT collaboration; it also reflects a broader trend where hacktivist groups are becoming increasingly involved. Besides the established entities, new groups such as the IT Army of Russia and TwoNet have emerged, primarily known for their distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) tactics and information spouting on public platforms like Telegram. These actors, although sometimes less technically refined, significantly contribute to the overall threat landscape by aligning with more sophisticated, state-affiliated cyber teams.
Because tactics in the digital domain are in constant flux, formerly isolated hacktivist outfits have also begun shifting their operational identities. For example, KillNet, which once championed pro-Kremlin narratives through hacktivism, has since veered towards criminal-for-hire schemes aimed at generating revenue. Therefore, the blurring of ideological lines among cyber actors emphasizes not only the multiplicity of motives—ranging from political to purely profit-driven—but also the increasing interconnectivity within the Russian cyber milieu. This shift is documented in reports from outlets like The Record and KELA Cyber Blog.
Strategic Implications and Future Risks
The convergence of tactics from state-sponsored APTs as seen with Gamaredon and Turla underscores a new strategic paradigm in cyber warfare. Because the stakes in the ongoing Ukraine conflict are incredibly high, the alliance merges Gamaredon’s wide-ranging network intrusions with Turla’s capacity for deep surveillance and intelligence gathering. Most importantly, Ukraine now faces cyber threats that are both broad in scope and tailored in precision, thereby increasing vulnerability across both governmental and defense sectors.
Most importantly, this collaboration signals an evolution in cyber tactics. Defenders must, therefore, adapt by implementing more robust and agile cybersecurity measures. In response, Ukrainian agencies, with support from international experts, are intensifying efforts around rapid detection, remediation, and cross-border intelligence sharing. As detailed in articles from eSecurity Planet and CyberScoop, these coordinated measures are essential to counter the diversified threat vectors emerging from this unprecedented alliance.
Countermeasures and Cybersecurity Lessons
Because the landscape of Russian cyber operations is evolving rapidly, Ukrainian security specialists continue to adapt their defensive postures. An important focus has been placed on rapid detection, network segmentation, and comprehensive incident response strategies. Besides that, enhanced collaboration among international cybersecurity firms and government agencies is pivotal in providing timely threat intelligence and sharing Indicators of Compromise (IOCs). As new vulnerabilities are exploited, defenders rely on these concerted efforts to mitigate risks effectively.
Furthermore, the collaborative model observed between Gamaredon and Turla necessitates a more integrated defense strategy that combines both broad-spectrum and targeted countermeasures. Cybersecurity lessons learned from previous attacks are being applied to bolster this two-pronged approach. With the support of private sector expertise and insights from global partners like those mentioned in Global Initiative, strategists are upgrading policies to counter sophisticated hybrid threats.
Conclusion: The New Normal for Cyber Operations
The alliance between Russian hacking groups such as Gamaredon and Turla represents a decisive shift in the cyber operations sphere over Ukraine. Most importantly, what was once a relationship based on rivalry is now evolving into a collaborative network that merges extensive, rapid exploitation capabilities with refined, precision intelligence. This integrated approach not only broadens the operational reach of Russian cyber actors but also tightens the window of vulnerability for Ukrainian targets.
Because cyber warfare tactics are now more interconnected than ever, defending nations must elevate their defensive strategies accordingly. Therefore, alongside improving technical infrastructures, there must be an increased focus on international collaboration, policy development, and proactive threat intelligence sharing. As underscored by a range of expert analyses from sources such as Onsite Computing, the evolving shadow war in cyberspace is setting a new standard for future conflicts.
References:
1. ESET uncovers Gamaredon–Turla collaboration in Ukraine cyberattacks
2. Two new pro-Russian hacktivist groups target Ukraine, recruit insiders
3. Russian State Hackers Collaborate in Attacks Against Ukraine
4. Russia-Ukraine War: Pro-Russian Hacktivist Activity Two Years On
