Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian data centres and telecommunications facilities, disrupting internet access across Kyiv and raising concerns about undermining the digital economy. About 100,000 households experienced temporary outages after strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the digital transformation ministry. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha warned that rapid missile and drone alerts are essential for saving lives, calling the infrastructure essential for everyday functioning.

Ukrainian officials and business leaders warned that Russia may be seeking to cause broader disruption, potentially threatening banks, online payment providers, businesses, government services, and the military. Strikes hit internet providers Pavutyna, Etherlink, Crazy Network and Utels, as well as hosting companies Cityhost and Miro Host. Utels reported that a data centre housing its core network equipment was affected.

Russian strikes also hit a complex housing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 2019 election victory headquarters. On Thursday, Russia's defence ministry claimed to have hit the Kyivstar and Parkovy telecommunications centres, stating they provided communication services for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The ministry also struck a transport and logistics centre used to store drones.

Wednesday's attacks killed two people and injured 43. Zelenskyy has urged allies to bolster air defences and welcomed Donald Trump's promise to grant a licence to manufacture Patriot interceptors. Ukraine's state communications commission warned of temporary network disruptions.

Emergency teams worked to restore services.