Analysis-Russian ransomware attacks on Ukraine muted by leaks, insurance woes

FILE PHOTO: A resident stands in front of a Ukrainian national flag as part of "Unity Day," in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine February 16, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Warnings that pro-Russian ransomware gangs would snarl networks in Ukraine and its allies have so far failed to materialise amid disarray among the criminal underworld often behind such attacks and fears insurers would not pay out.

Conti, one of the most notorious Russia-based cybercrime groups known for using ransomware to extort millions of dollars from U.S. and European companies, announced its "full support" for the government of President Vladimir Putin last week - a position it later walked back as they themselves became victims of a leak.