Russia targeting 'ordinary life' with attacks on Ukraine's data centres, Zelensky says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia Targets Ukraine Data Centers and Internet Providers

   Russian military strikes targeting data centers and internet service providers in Kyiv have disrupted internet access for 100,000 households and knocked several Ukrainian media outlets and news channels offline. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the attacks on digital infrastructure are designed to interfere with people's ability to stay connected, study, and work, targeting ordinary life. The September 25 strike in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district also impacted a Starlink data center and forced the Armiia TV channel to suspend broadcasting.

   Why it matters

   The escalation marks a direct assault on Ukraine's digital economy and communications networks, moving beyond traditional military targets to disrupt civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities held a meeting of top defense and security officials to address the protection of data centers and critical communications facilities. These strikes compound existing pressures on the country's economy, which has already suffered extensive damage to other vital industries.

   What is confirmed

   • Internet service disruptions occurred in Kyiv following a Russian attack on a data center.
   • Russia's attacks disrupted internet services to 100,000 households in Kyiv, according to the Ukrainian ministry.
   • President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has widened attacks to hit Ukraine's data centres and internet providers.
   • The September 25 attack struck Kyiv's Solomianskyi district, where Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported seven people injured and three killed.
   • Russian strikes on Kyiv data centers disrupted operations at several Ukrainian media outlets and forced the Armiia TV channel to suspend broadcasting.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russian forces struck a Starlink data center in Ukraine.

   What to watch next

   • Government measures and security updates resulting from the meeting of Ukraine's top defense and security officials regarding data center protection
   • Further reports on repair and restoration timelines for internet services affecting the 100,000 households in Kyiv
   • Subsequent announcements from affected media outlets regarding the resumption of broadcasting and digital operations
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. ua.news — Internet service disruptions occurred in Kyiv following a Russian attack on a data center
   2. U.S. News & World Report — Russia's Attacks Disrupt Internet Services to 100,000 Households in Kyiv, Ukrainian Ministry Says
   3. Financial Times — Russia targets Ukraine’s data centres
   4. bbc.com — Zelensky says Russia has widened attacks to hit Ukraine's data centres and internet providers
   5. The Guardian — Russia strikes at heart of Ukraine’s digital economy with attacks on ISPs and datacentres
   6. Kyiv Post — ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 25, 2026
   7. Yahoo — Armiia TV channel suspends broadcasting due to Russian strikes
   8. Newsweek — Russian Forces Strike Starlink Data Center in Ukraine
   9. Kyiv Post — Russia Knocks Ukrainian News Channels Offline as Moscow Steps Up Attacks on Kyiv’s Data Centers
   10. The Kyiv Independent — Russian strikes on Kyiv data centers disrupt operations at several Ukrainian media outlets
   11. www.techspot.com — Russia targets Ukraine's data centers as attacks disrupt internet access for 100,000 households
   12. www.bbc.com — Zelensky says Russia has widened attacks to hit Ukraine's data centres and internet providers
   confidence 95%