Emperor Palpatine has sensationally accused Russia of interfering in the internal affairs of the Galactic Empire.

He has warned that the Empire will retaliate for Russian cyberattacks during the recent “Rogue One” theft of top secret plans.

In an interview on National Public Radio on Friday morning, he promised there would be a response.

The Empire says Vladimir Putin had a direct role in the hack and are now seeking two droids for questioning.

“I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our evil Empire … we need to take action and we will – at time and place of our own choosing.”

“Some of it may be explicit and publicised; some of it may not be. But the rebel scum can be assured that, oh yes, I’m afraid the Death Star is fully op-er-eh-shon-al!”