It is late afternoon in Kyiv as Mykhailo Fedorov sits before a prominent treadmill in a modern office, dressed simply in a short-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. He carries a calm, measured presence, his hair already showing hints of gray at a surprisingly young age. When he speaks Ukrainian, a faint accent hints at his roots in Vasylivka, a region where Ukrainian and Russian linguistic influences mingle. Fedorov is the youngest member of Ukraine’s cabinet, serving as deputy prime minister and leading the country’s digital transformation strategy. He is closely aligned with President Volodymyr Zelensky and projects a cautious, serious demeanor in interviews. He has described Ukraine’s approach to cyberspace as a form of information warfare that mirrors traditional battles—an internet conflict pitting Ukraine against Russia, framed as a modern, high-stakes cyber struggle for national resilience and sovereignty.
Minister, how is the internet army defined, and what tactics are used in its operations against Russia?
Since the war began, Ukraine has gathered a global network of roughly 300,000 cyber professionals who collaborate to defend online infrastructure and counter attacks from Russian actors. The aim is to safeguard critical systems, disrupt malicious activity, and maintain the country’s digital integrity during hostilities. This network emphasizes rapid response, threat intelligence sharing, and coordinated defense across sectors.
What kinds of attacks are involved? Are they primarily denial of service or other methods?
Public operations often involve disruption of disruptive traffic flows through denial of service techniques, but Ukraine also contends with intrusions into information systems, targeted attacks on specific sites, and more sophisticated intrusions that require deeper investigation and remediation.
Denial of service incidents, defined as attempts to overwhelm a web property with excessive traffic to degrade performance, are a common element, but the reality includes a broader spectrum of cyber operations.
How has Ukraine’s internet resilience been built to withstand Russian assaults?
Ukraine has recorded hundreds of attacks monthly over the past years and has developed robust defensive capabilities to counter them. The result is a steadily expanding set of digital services available to government and citizens. An example is a widely adopted mobile application that grants access to a broad range of public records—from identity documents to health information—demonstrating how digital government tools can empower people even in crisis.
Is there any use of satellite technology to maintain connectivity in times of war?
Reliable internet access remains essential for countermeasures. The country has restored broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity and maintains protective infrastructure through satellite channels that provide alternative access when terrestrial networks falter. This redundancy helps ensure continuous operation of critical services and communications.
Is satellite connectivity also used for the military?
Yes, in areas lacking solid coverage, satellite links enable military personnel to communicate with families and maintain situational awareness. Visual confirmations circulating on social media illustrate these capabilities, though the primary objective is to support overall infrastructure and command and control functions.
How are cryptocurrencies playing a role in Ukraine’s efforts?
Ukraine established a crypto foundation to assist national defense and public services, raising significant funds to support armed forces, the healthcare system, and civilian institutions. Virtual assets are actively employed to bolster resources and resilience in challenging times.
Should we expect cyber warfare to intensify?
The trend shows more frequent attacks, even if losses and disruption do not necessarily increase at the same rate. The emphasis remains on sustaining a resilient cybersecurity framework and expanding protective measures to meet evolving threats.
Who leads the cyber defense effort in Ukraine?
The operation is organized as a volunteer network coordinated for effectiveness rather than a rigid hierarchy. Each participant acts with leadership responsibility in their sphere, ensuring flexibility and broad engagement across the digital defense landscape.
Are they prepared for future cyber warfare?
The country did not anticipate the level of connectivity and continuous service delivery achieved despite ongoing conflict. The experience shows a readiness to confront future cyber challenges with vigor, continuing to invest in resilient digital infrastructure and proactive defense.