Moscow demands Washington's response to alleged cyber attack against Russia

Russia on Saturday demanded a response from the United States to media reports that U.S. military hackers have penetrated Russia's telecommunications networks, electric grid and "the Kremlin's command systems."

"We expect a response from the U.S. authorities, including the White House and the Department of State, with a legal assessment of the reports," Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, said in a statement published on the website of the ministry.

"The absence of an official reaction from the U.S. administration will signify the existence of state cyber terrorism in the United States," Zakharova said.

If the threats are carried out, Moscow will have full authority to bring charges against Washington, she added.

On Friday, the NBC News reported that the U.S. military hackers have penetrated Russia's electric grid, telecommunications networks and the Kremlin's command systems, making them vulnerable to attacks by secret U.S. cyber weapons. Endi