Ukrainian hackers disrupt internet in Siberia during Russia Day
- Ukrainian hackers targeted Orion Telecom, disrupting essential internet services in Siberia.
- The cyberattack resulted in disabling numerous servers and removing backups, complicating recovery efforts.
- This incident highlights the ongoing conflict and cyber warfare between Ukraine and Russia.
On June 14, 2025, Ukrainian hackers from the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) executed a cyberattack on Orion Telecom, one of the largest internet providers in Siberia, Russia. This attack coincided with Russia Day, a national holiday, showcasing the ongoing cyber warfare between Ukraine and Russia. The operation resulted in significant operational disruptions, leaving numerous areas without internet connectivity, particularly affecting a closed city that specializes in uranium extraction. Complaints from angry Russian users began flooding local social media in places like Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Bratsk, and Abakan as the hacking incident unfolded. According to an intelligence source, the cyberattack led to the disabling of 370 servers and around 500 network switches, which made it challenging for Orion Telecom to restore services promptly. In addition, valuable backups were erased during the attack, further complicating recovery efforts. As a form of provocation, a message allegedly sent from the hackers circulated on local Telegram channels, taunting Russian citizens by suggesting they would soon be living like cavemen due to the attack. The attackers emphasized their support for Ukrainian independence in this communication, evidencing the sentiment behind the operation. Orion Telecom confirmed experiencing technical difficulties due to a robust DDoS attack, assuring their customers that they were working to restore services by the end of the day. This cyber operation falls within a larger context of attacks and sabotage attributed to Ukrainian intelligence aimed at crippling Russian military operations and weakening its support systems. Ukraine has been increasingly employing cyber tactics as a crucial aspect of its defensive measures in the ongoing conflict with Russia. In concurrent developments, on June 15-16, 2025, Russian drones attacked Kyiv Oblast, resulting in injuries and further underscoring the high tensions between the two nations. While the internet disruption in Siberia was a significant act of cyber sabotage, it also reflects the broader military engagements and strategies utilized by Ukraine in response to Russian aggression. The repercussions of such cyber offensives may subsequently influence international perceptions and actions regarding both nations, particularly in light of ongoing discussions amongst EU leaders about imposing tougher sanctions on Russia for its military efforts against Ukraine.