Russia Attacks Ukraine Internet Infrastructure
Russian drone strikes hit internet providers and data centres in Kyiv, causing temporary outages for about 100,000 households.
Quick facts
- About 100,000 households in Kyiv and the surrounding region suffered temporary internet outages following strikes on Wednesday and Thursday.
- A Friday drone strike on a Kyiv business centre and data centre killed four people, according to Ukrainian officials.
- A separate attack killed a 14-year-old boy, whom Israel's foreign ministry identified as an Israeli citizen.
Why it matters
This escalation marks a shift in military strategy toward civilian digital infrastructure, threatening the economic stability and daily communications of millions in Ukraine. While officials warn of ongoing network disruptions, the long-term impact on the country's cloud-based and telecommunications resilience remains to be seen as companies seek foreign server hosting alternatives.
Russia has expanded its military campaign to target Ukraine's digital economy, launching a series of drone strikes against internet service providers and data centres in Kyiv this week.
The attacks have disrupted digital networks that support banks, payment systems, and public services as winter approaches. According to Ukraine’s digital transformation ministry, about 100,000 households in Kyiv and the surrounding region suffered temporary internet outages following strikes on Wednesday and Thursday.
What happened in the recent attacks?
On Friday, a drone strike hit an office building and business centre in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district that housed a data centre and communications infrastructure, including the offices of telecommunications company Datagroup.
Ukrainian officials reported that four people were killed in the Friday strike. A separate attack resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy, who Israel's foreign ministry confirmed was an Israeli citizen. City officials in Lutsk noted that electronic information boards at public transport stops stopped working on Friday due to damage caused by the Kyiv strikes.
Why is it trending?
The escalation has drawn international attention as Russian forces target the digital backbone of civilian life. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media that Russia has targeted major Ukrainian data centres to disrupt the flow of information.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strikes aim to cause maximum disruption for ordinary people, affecting their ability to stay connected, study, and work. Russia confirmed it had targeted a data centre site, claiming it was being used by Ukrainian military intelligence.
What happens next?
In response to the infrastructure damage, some firms have already begun moving data from damaged servers to facilities abroad. Ukrainian authorities have announced that additional decisions were made following high-level meetings late on Friday, though specific operational measures were not detailed at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened during the recent attacks in Kyiv?
Russian drone strikes hit internet providers, office buildings, and data centres in Kyiv, resulting in four deaths on Friday, a separate casualty involving a 14-year-old boy, and internet outages for approximately 100,000 households.
Who is involved in the internet infrastructure strikes?
The primary actors involved are Russian military forces carrying out the drone strikes and Ukrainian authorities, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and the country's digital transformation ministry.
Why did Russia target Ukrainian data centres?
Ukrainian officials state the attacks aim to disrupt the flow of information and target ordinary life. Conversely, Russia confirmed it targeted a data centre site because it claimed the facility was used by Ukrainian military intelligence.
How many people lost internet access?
About 100,000 households in Kyiv and the surrounding region suffered temporary internet outages after strikes occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, according to figures released by Ukraine’s digital transformation ministry.
What international reactions occurred?
Israel's foreign ministry confirmed that a 14-year-old boy killed in a separate attack was an Israeli citizen. Additionally, Polish authorities reported that a Starlink satellite station serving Ukraine in central Poland was set on fire in an apparent coordinated attack.
What happens next for affected Ukrainian tech companies?
Some firms have already started moving their data from damaged servers to facilities located abroad. President Zelensky announced that additional government decisions were made, though specific details were not available at the time of writing.
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Last checked Sep 26, 2026 at 9:49 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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