It is late afternoon as a high-ranking Ukrainian official sits by a prominent treadmill in a modern office. The figure presents a tall, poised presence, with graying hair that suggests experience beyond his years. When speaking Ukrainian, there is a subtle regional accent that hints at origins in the southeast part of the country. At 31 years old, he stands as the youngest among the cabinet ministers, serving as deputy prime minister and overseeing the country’s digital transformation. This official is closely aligned with President Volodymyr Zelensky and is widely recognized for framing Ukraine’s strategy in what some observers call the first world cyber conflict—a battle waged in the digital arena with Russia. The discussion that follows reflects the ongoing efforts to defend cyberspace and maintain essential online services during wartime.
Minister, what is the Internet army and what tactics does it use in its attacks on Russia?
Since the first day of the conflict, Ukraine has mobilized roughly 300,000 cyber professionals from around the world to strengthen online defenses and respond to cyber threats from Russia. The goal is to counter attacks across critical digital infrastructure and public networks.
What kinds of attacks are they? Are they mainly disruption or do they target more complex systems?
In public-facing operations, denial of service approaches are common, but there are also efforts to breach information systems, targeted websites, and more sophisticated intrusions when the situation demands it.
In this context, a denial of service attack describes an attempt to overwhelm a digital property with traffic, aiming to disrupt normal operation and access for users.
How has Ukrainian internet resilience been achieved in the face of Russian aggression?
Across two and a half years, hundreds of monthly attacks have been documented, while a robust defense system has been built to counter them. Evidence of resilience is seen in the weekly rollout of new services for government and citizens. An example is the Diia mobile application, a widely used gateway to public records ranging from passports to health cards, which demonstrates the government’s ability to deliver services even amid conflict.
Is there a role for satellite connectivity in this effort, such as Starlink?
Stable internet connectivity is essential for countering attacks. Broadband and Wi-Fi have been restored where possible, and satellite links, including SpaceX connections, provide a backbone that keeps critical networks functioning. A backup connection strategy ensures continued national connectivity even if primary links fail.
Are satellites used to support the military as well?
Yes. In areas with limited terrestrial access, satellite connectivity helps military communications, including updates for families and troops. The broader objective remains safeguarding civilian and government infrastructure while enabling secure, resilient communication channels.
How are cryptocurrencies involved in this effort, and do they offer real value?
A dedicated crypto foundation has been established to support military and civilian needs, raising substantial funds to bolster the armed forces, healthcare, and public institutions. Virtual assets are actively used to strengthen resilience and flexibility in resource allocation during the crisis.
Should we expect the cyber conflict to intensify?
The threat landscape is likely to see more frequent attacks, though the overall impact in terms of losses may not necessarily rise. This underscores the ongoing need to invest in cybersecurity capabilities and sustain a robust, adaptive defense system.
Is the Ukrainian Internet army a centralized force or a broad, coordinated network?
It operates as a voluntary, networked collective rather than a strict hierarchy. Each participant acts with a degree of autonomy, coordinated to align with national strategic goals, ensuring flexible and rapid responses across the digital battlefield.
Is the country prepared for the cyber warfare of the future?
The experience shows that reliable internet services, stable operations, and the rapid deployment of new digital tools are achievable even under sustained pressure. The nation continues to strengthen its defenses, advance digital services, and remain ready to counter cyber threats actively and effectively.