President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that Russian forces have broadened their attacks to include Ukraine’s data centres and internet providers, aiming to wreak havoc on ordinary citizens.
The most recent strike struck a business centre in Kyiv where a drone exploded, killing four people and severely damaging a Datagroup data hub. The centre also housed the headquarters of a key telecommunications provider.
In the wake of the attack, hundreds of thousands of households in Kyiv and surrounding areas suffered prolonged internet outages. Several companies have already begun relocating data from damaged servers to backup sites abroad.
At a brief press conference, Zelensky stressed that the attacks are designed to “break the flow of life‑saving information” and accused the Kremlin of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. “We must not let these tactics cripple everyday life,” he said.
While the Ukrainian government has not yet confirmed specific counter‑measures, officials announced that new protocols will be implemented to safeguard critical communications facilities. Senior adviser Serhii Beskrestnov noted that Ukraine’s internet network is highly decentralised, so complete shutdown is unlikely.
In addition to cyber‑infrastructure, Russian forces have intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy and railway systems as winter approaches, further straining the country’s ability to manage its essential services. Ukraine’s military has responded by targeting Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs to cut off funding for Moscow’s war machine.
Internationally, the European Union agreed to release €6.6 billion in aid for Ukraine, including €900 million for the EU’s Military Assistance Mission and a €1 billion joint procurement fund, as a counter to Moscow’s hybrid attacks.
Polish prosecutors have opened an investigation into an alleged arson attack on a Starlink satellite station, referencing the possibility of Russian special‑services involvement. The station uses SpaceX’s Starlink system to ferry internet traffic to Ukraine and other European partners.
