KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure and digital networks to disrupt daily existence across the country. According to official statements, recent Russian strikes have increasingly focused on data centers and internet service providers, impacting how citizens communicate, study, and work.
The escalation in digital targeting became apparent following a daytime drone strike in Kyiv on Friday. The attack struck a commercial complex housing a major data facility run by Datagroup, resulting in four fatalities. Officials confirmed that the blast severely damaged the server building, though corporate representatives noted that operations were successfully shifted to backup locations.
The assault on Friday followed a series of communication disruptions earlier in the week. Approximately 100,000 households across the capital and the surrounding region lost internet connectivity on Wednesday due to bombardments. The effects of the infrastructure hits extended beyond the capital; municipal authorities in Lutsk reported that electronic transit displays failed on Friday because of the damage inflicted on Kyiv-based data servers.
Moscow's defense ministry acknowledged the operations, stating that the targeted data processing sites were utilized by military intelligence. However, Ukrainian officials rejected this justification. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that digital networks are vital for civilian survival, noting that rapid electronic warnings regarding incoming missiles and drones are essential for saving lives.
President Zelensky warned that the Kremlin's expanding campaign views standard civilian routines as legitimate targets. In response to the growing threat, he convened top defense and security officials to establish additional measures aimed at safeguarding critical communications infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted service.
Defense technology advisers acknowledged that repairs could lead to temporary local outages and potential price increases for internet services. Despite these challenges, officials highlighted that Ukraine's telecommunications framework remains heavily decentralized, meaning a total nationwide network failure is unlikely. Businesses are already mitigating risks by relocating critical digital data to foreign facilities.
The digital attacks coincide with a broader campaign by Moscow to degrade Ukraine's essential systems ahead of the winter season. In recent weeks, Russian forces have intensified bombardments targeting the nation's energy grid and railway networks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have continued retaliatory strikes against Russian oil refineries and logistical supply lines used to support the ongoing military campaign.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
