Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukraine’s digital infrastructure and major telecoms operators. Following the attack on 23 September, the data centres of the providers UTELS and «Pavutina» in Kyiv were damaged. Volunteer Serhiy Sternenko has urged residents of the capital to remain calm whilst preparing backup communication channels and basic supplies for the winter. Meanwhile, MP Oleksandr Fedienko emphasises that there is currently no question of the internet disappearing completely in Ukraine.
Briefly about the main points
- During the attack on 23 September in Kyiv, the data centres of two internet service providers were damaged.
- UTELS has warned of possible disruption to communications due to power cuts affecting its equipment.
- Serhiy Sternenko urged the people of Kyiv to make arrangements for alternative means of communication in advance.
- Oleksandr Fedienko stated that Russia is attempting to target major telecoms operators.
- The internet is not expected to disappear completely, but some services may become temporarily unavailable.
Data centres have been damaged following an attack in Kyiv
As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv on 23 September, data centres linked to the operations of internet service providers were affected UTELS and «Pavutina».
UTELS has reported that the company’s core equipment is housed in one of the capital’s data centres. Following the attack, the equipment was left without power. As a result, the operator warned of possible disruptions to the network and access to services. Emergency teams have begun restoration work. «Pavutina» also reported communication problems following the attack.
Attack on the capital It continued on the morning of 23 September. The Kyiv authorities reported strikes and fires in various parts of the city, including at infrastructure sites.
Sternenko urged Kyiv residents to set up backup communication channels
Following the latest attacks Serhiy Sternenko drew attention to the risks to the capital’s telecommunications and other critical infrastructure. He urged the residents of Kyiv Prepare for any potential difficulties this winter without panicking — ensure you have a basic supply of fuel and alternative means of communication.
Specifically, this refers to the possibility of using satellite internet or other backup channels in the event of prolonged disruptions to terrestrial infrastructure. This does not, however, mean that Kyiv is guaranteed to be left without internet access. The aim is to prepare for possible localised or temporary disruptions.
Fedienko: Russia is trying to target telecoms operators
People's Deputy Alexander Fedienko had previously stated that Russia has recently been carrying out targeted attacks telecoms operators’ digital infrastructure.
On 18 September, he wrote that the enemy had «begun to destroy the digital infrastructure of telecoms operators» and called for consideration of possible asymmetric countermeasures. Fedyenko also noted that Russia’s attacks pose additional risks to operators, whilst the large number of small and medium-sized providers makes the Ukrainian network more complex. According to him, damage to individual data centres could lead to Some online services will be unavailable for a certain period of time.
Could Kyiv be left completely without internet access?
There is currently no confirmation of a complete internet outage in Kyiv or across Ukraine.
According to Fedienko’s assessment, the complex structure of Ukrainian networks, the existence of backup channels, cloud solutions and data backup make it considerably more difficult to completely disable the internet infrastructure through physical attacks alone.
However, localised problems may occur. If a specific data centre or communications hub is damaged, some subscribers may temporarily lose access to the network, and certain websites or online services may become unavailable.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has also previously reported that it is working with mobile network operators to improve the energy resilience of networks in the event of prolonged power cuts.
