Russian forces have intensified their strikes on Ukrainian data centres and telecommunications infrastructure in Kyiv, causing widespread internet disruptions and raising concerns over damage to Ukraine’s digital economy and security. The attacks occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, affecting approximately 100,000 households in Kyiv and the surrounding region, according to Ukraine’s digital transformation ministry.
Ukrainian officials reported that multiple internet service providers and hosting companies were targeted, including Pavutyna, Etherlink, Crazy Network, Utels, Cityhost, and MiroHost. Utels confirmed on Telegram that one of its data centres in Kyiv, which houses core network equipment, was hit. Among the damaged sites is a data centre located in the complex that formerly housed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 2019 campaign headquarters.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated on social media platform X that Russia aimed to disrupt the flow of information by targeting major Ukrainian data centres. Some Ukrainian officials and business leaders have warned that the strikes may be part of a broader effort to destabilize critical digital infrastructure, including banking systems, online payment services, government operations, and military communications.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed on Thursday that it had struck the Kyivstar and Parkovy telecommunications centres in Kyiv. The ministry claimed these facilities provided communication services and computing power to the Ukrainian armed forces. The ministry also said its forces targeted a transport and logistics centre used to store and deploy Ukrainian long- and medium-range drones.
The escalation in attacks on Kyiv’s communications infrastructure comes amid ongoing hostilities, with Russian missile and drone strikes on Wednesday resulting in two deaths and 43 injuries, according to local authorities. Subsequent strikes damaged railway lines as well as residential and commercial buildings.
Moscow’s renewed focus on cyber-related targets follows Kyiv’s drone campaign during the summer, which aimed to disrupt Russian oil and gas facilities, key components of Russia’s economic resources supporting the war effort.
In response to the intensified Russian offensive, President Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged international allies to increase military aid, particularly to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses. Zelenskyy welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s July announcement to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missile interceptors. Recently, Zelenskyy stated that during a meeting in New York, Trump confirmed he had made a final decision to supply Ukraine with these manufacturing licenses. The U.S. White House had not immediately commented on this statement.