Russia strikes at heart of Ukraine’s digital economy with attacks on ISPs and datacentres
As winter approaches, Kyiv fears disruption to vital networks that keep banks, payment systems and public services running
TL;DR
- Russia is targeting datacentres and internet providers in Ukraine, marking a new phase in the conflict.
- Recent strikes in Kyiv caused temporary internet outages for around 100,000 households and resulted in fatalities at a major telecommunications company.
- A Starlink station in Poland, serving Ukraine, was reportedly set on fire in an act of sabotage.
- Ukrainian officials and experts fear repeated attacks could disrupt essential services like banking and public administration, especially with winter approaching.
- The attacks are part of Russia's intensified efforts to strike Ukraine's economy, targeting warehouses, ports, and industrial facilities.
- Ukraine faces challenges countering new Russian drones and a critical shortage of Patriot missiles for air defence.
- There are discussions about potentially licensing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles domestically, though this could take years.