In a stark warning that underscores the widening scope of Russia’s war on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Moscow is deliberately targeting the country’s data‑centres and internet providers to cripple ordinary life. The claim follows a series of recent attacks, including a Russian drone strike that hit a business centre in Kyiv, killing four people and damaging a key data‑centre operated by Datagroup.
Background: From Energy to Information
Since the full‑scale invasion began in 2022, Russian forces have increasingly focused on critical civilian infrastructure. While energy and railway networks have long been in the cross‑hairs, the latest wave of strikes extends to the digital layer that underpins modern society. The Russian defence ministry confirmed that the Datagroup site was targeted because it was being used by Ukrainian military intelligence, and it added that other facilities such as New‑Telco, United DC, Kyivstar and Parkovyi have also been hit.
Impact on Everyday Life
According to Ukrainian officials, the attacks have already caused tangible disruptions. About 100,000 households in Kyiv and the surrounding region suffered internet outages on Wednesday, and electronic information boards at public‑transport stops in Lutsk stopped working after the data‑centre strike. Zelensky’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, warned that “life‑saving information” – such as rapid alerts about missile and drone threats – could be jeopardised, describing data‑centres as essential civilian infrastructure rather than a military target.
Ukraine’s Response
In response to the emerging threat, Zelensky announced that “additional decisions” have been taken to protect data‑centres and other critical communications facilities. The government is urging firms to relocate data from damaged servers to overseas facilities, and Datagroup reported that its services continue to operate from backup sites. Defence‑technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov noted that Ukraine’s internet network is highly decentralised, suggesting that the country “will not be left without internet access,” even if local disruptions occur.
International Dimension
The attacks on digital infrastructure have drawn reactions beyond Ukraine’s borders. The European Union recently approved €6.6 billion in assistance for Kyiv, including €900 million for the EU’s Military Assistance Mission and a €1 billion fund for joint procurement of equipment. Meanwhile, Poland’s prosecutors opened an investigation into an alleged arson attack on a Starlink satellite station, suspecting involvement of Russian special services. These moves highlight the broader concern that Russia’s hybrid tactics aim to intimidate Europe and weaken support for Ukraine.
Uncertainty and Outlook
While the evidence confirms that Russian forces have struck multiple data‑processing sites, the full extent of the damage and its long‑term impact on Ukraine’s digital resilience remain unclear. Analysts note that the decentralised nature of Ukraine’s network may mitigate a total blackout, but repeated attacks could raise the cost of internet services and strain repair capacities. Moreover, the Kremlin’s public statements – including President Vladimir Putin’s remarks about possible peace talks – contrast sharply with the ongoing targeting of civilian infrastructure, leaving observers to question Moscow’s strategic calculations.
For Ukrainians, the battle now extends into the realm of bits and bytes. As the war presses on, the ability to keep data flowing, alerts reaching citizens, and everyday services online will be a crucial measure of both resilience and the international community’s response.