Russian drone strikes cut internet to 100,000 Kyiv homes, ministry says
Russian drone attacks on Wednesday disrupted internet service for roughly 100,000 households in Kyiv and its surrounding area, according to Ukraine's digital ministry.
On Wednesday, Russian drones attacked targets in Kyiv, leading to internet service interruptions for an estimated 100,000 households, the Ukrainian digital ministry said. The ministry posted on Telegram that specialists are assessing the damage and have started repair work after the attacks, which lasted from morning into early afternoon. Russia's Defence Ministry later announced that its forces struck two data centres in Kyiv and two logistical centres in the Black Sea port of Odesa, alleging they were used to aid the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded that hitting data centres threatens civilian lives, emphasizing that rapid alerts about missile and drone threats are essential for public safety. He stressed that such infrastructure is civilian, not a military target, and is critical for everyday functioning. The incident highlights the ongoing cyber-physical dimension of the conflict.
Why it matters
Disrupting internet access hampers civilians' ability to receive safety alerts and stay connected during the conflict.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Russia multiplies jet-powered Shahed drone strikes fivefold in one month
- Sep 12 Russia has broadened deployment of jet‑propelled drones, prompting Kyiv to trial quicker, low‑cost interceptors.
- Sep 20 In the early hours of Friday, Russia's anti-aircraft units reported destroying 35 Ukrainian drones heading for the capital. Local authorities said a comparable wave of drones was also intercepted in the Toula district south of Moscow. The incidents occurred as Russia began a three-day parliamentary and local election cycle. No casualties were reported from the interceptions.
- Sep 20 Zelensky said a major Russian oil refinery, a logistics structure and the Voronezh region were hit in the massive attack.
- Sep 20 Officials reported that 249 unmanned aircraft were intercepted in the latest wave of attacks.
- Sep 21 Russia's defence ministry said it will increase the frequency and precision of its strikes on Kyiv.
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