Russia targets Ukrainian data centers to disrupt digital infrastructure

Russia has begun systematically targeting data centers in Ukraine, shifting its focus from hacking and power outages to direct physical attacks on the buildings housing critical server infrastructure. Since early September, these strikes have damaged digital infrastructure, including in Kyiv, causing disruptions to television signals, streaming services, and cable operators.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that these attacks on large data centers are an attempt to disrupt the flow of information and destabilize daily life as Russia struggles to achieve its objectives on the battlefield. Because data centers host essential services—including news portals, government registries, online banking, cloud services, and corporate networks—damage to this equipment impacts a wide range of essential daily functions.

Despite the scale of the offensives, telecommunications expert Oleksandr Khlushchenko suggests that a total shutdown of the internet in Ukraine is unlikely. He noted that the sector is relatively decentralized, having grown through many small entrepreneurs rather than being controlled by a few highly regulated entities.