obama
Russian hackers read President Barack Obama's unclassified emails, the New York Times reported on Saturday, quoting U.S. officials. Pictured is Obama with his Blackberry, Nov. 21, 2014. Reuters/Larry Downing

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Russian hackers who penetrated sensitive parts of the White House computer system last year read President Barack Obama's unclassified emails, the New York Times reported on Saturday, quoting U.S. officials.

"There is no evidence that the president's email account itself was hacked, White House officials said. Still, the fact that some of Mr. Obama's communications were among those retrieved by hackers has been one of the most closely held findings of the inquiry," the paper said.

The White House confirmed the breach earlier this month, saying it took place last year and that it did not affect classified information.