Zelensky: Russia Widens Attacks to Strike Ukraine's Data Centres

Russian forces have broadened their campaign of strikes to now target Ukraine's data centres, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 25. The aim of such attacks is to disrupt people's ability to stay connected, study, and work, he warned.

New Dimension of Infrastructure Warfare

Russia has for months been targeting Ukraine's energy grid and power plants, but Zelensky's statement indicates the campaign has expanded to include digital infrastructure. Data centres house servers that power internet services, government systems, and commercial platforms relied upon by millions of Ukrainians.

The announcement came on one of the most intense days of drone attacks on Kyiv in recent memory. Russian forces launched 162 strike drones at Ukraine on September 25, killing seven people and injuring 59. Impacts were recorded at 27 locations across the country.

Broader Context

The expansion of Russian strikes to data centres marks an escalation in what Ukrainian officials describe as a deliberate effort to paralyse civilian life and economic activity. Zelensky had earlier in the week met US officials in New York to discuss a possible ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure, as global diesel prices have been rising sharply. Peace talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia are expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates.