Russia Targets Ukraine's Data Centres and Digital Infrastructure

Russian military forces have expanded their strategic focus to include Ukraine’s digital infrastructure, launching a series of strikes against data centres and telecommunications facilities. These operations have resulted in the disruption of internet services for approximately 100,000 households across Kyiv and its surrounding regions.

A significant strike occurred on Friday when a Russian drone hit the Inkom business centre in the capital. The facility housed a data centre operated by Datagroup, an internet service provider. Ukrainian officials reported that the attack resulted in four deaths and caused damage to the building. In response, Datagroup stated that it has maintained service continuity by shifting operations to backup sites.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the widening of the conflict to include digital infrastructure, noting that the attacks are intended to cause maximum disruption to the daily lives of civilians. He emphasized that the loss of connectivity hinders the ability of citizens to work, study, and maintain essential communication.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the strike on the Datagroup facility, asserting that the site was being utilized by Ukrainian military intelligence. The ministry further stated that its forces have targeted a broader range of data-processing and telecommunications hubs throughout the country.

According to the Russian defence ministry, other facilities targeted in the campaign include New-Telco, United DC, Kyivstar, and Parkovyi. These digital strikes occur alongside ongoing Russian military efforts to degrade Ukraine’s energy grid and railway infrastructure, marking a broader shift in the scope of the conflict.