Ukraine's Data Centres Targeted as Russian Strikes Widen, Zelensky Warns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that Russian forces have expanded their target selection to include Ukraine's data centres. According to Zelensky, these strikes are aimed at disrupting essential civilian activities across the country. The attacks specifically target the digital infrastructure required to keep citizens connected, support online education, and enable day-to-day remote and digital work.

Data centres are critical to maintaining essential public services, commercial operations, banking, and communications during war. By targeting data infrastructure alongside physical energy networks, such attacks threaten the digital backbone that enables Ukrainian society to function. For civilians, damage to these facilities directly impacts mobile networks, internet access, public administration services, and educational tools.

The European Union has prioritised supporting Ukraine's cyber resilience, telecommunications infrastructure, and emergency power systems. As Russian strategy evolves to target data architecture, European institutions and member states are assessing support measures aimed at maintaining network security, protecting critical communications infrastructure, and assisting with digital backup capabilities.

Ukrainian operators and emergency services are working to safeguard digital systems and maintain connectivity across impacted regions. Discussions between Kyiv and its European and international partners are expected to address technical support, cloud redundancy, and equipment supply to protect vital communications networks against further strikes.