Kyivstar faced a significant cyber incident, and as of now the company has not disclosed a precise timetable for the full restoration of its infrastructure after the attack attributed to Russian hackers. This uncertainty was echoed in statements reported by TASS, which quoted Alexander Komarov, the head of the Ukrainian mobile operator, emphasizing that pinpointing an exact timeline remains the toughest question at hand.
Komarov outlined that the restoration process would unfold in stages, with fixed-line internet access priority and cellular communications following. He acknowledged that reviving mobile services presents a more complex challenge, indicating that the mobile segment requires additional attention and resources. While he expressed a hopeful outlook for progress beginning the next day, he stressed that he could not guarantee an immediate restart, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the incident and the damage involved.
Media coverage, including a report from Korrespondent cited by TASS, suggested that the harm to Kyivstar’s cellular infrastructure was more extensive than initially believed. According to various reports, it could take roughly a week to bring the cellular segment back online, highlighting the scope of the disruption beyond the immediate aftermath of the attack.
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 12, 2023, when one of Ukraine’s largest telecom operators was targeted by hackers. Responsibility for the intrusion was claimed the following day by the Russian group Solntsepek, a development that intensified concerns about cyber threats to critical communications infrastructure in the region.
The broader context of this event includes a reference from Russia to an emerging player in the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection market, pointing to shifting dynamics in the regional cybersecurity landscape. The episode underscores persistent vulnerabilities in telecom networks and the ongoing work required to restore service, safeguard user data, and ensure resilience against future incidents. Industry observers note that such attacks can affect both consumer experience and national security, prompting operators to reevaluate incident response, business continuity planning, and investment in hardened networks and rapid recovery capabilities.
From Kyivstar’s perspective, the focus remains on transparent communication, staged recovery, and collaboration with regulators and security partners. While timelines may fluctuate as the situation evolves, the priority is restoring essential services with a clear sequence that minimizes disruption for users and businesses alike. The experience serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cyber defense, early threat detection, and contingency planning in an era where cyber threats are a persistent risk to critical communications infrastructure.