Ukrainian cyberattack cripples major Russian banks and systems

A large-scale cyberattack organized by Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) is ongoing, paralyzing the operations of crucial banking institutions and payment systems in Russia, the Ukrainian Pravda portal reported on Wednesday, citing sources in HUR.

Customers of major banks in Russia, such as Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and VTB Bank, encountered problems or could not use online banking and other digital services.

In addition, national payment systems have been blocked or disrupted—the Fast Payment System and the National Payment Card System. The cyberattack, which began on Tuesday, also affected mobile operators, leading to disruptions in mobile and internet communications.

Russian authorities acknowledged the cyberattack, calling it the work of "politically motivated hackers." Ukrainian intelligence emphasized that the attack is still ongoing.

HUR representatives humorously commented on the situation, noting that they are helping Russia "return to its roots" and abandon "hostile liberal values" such as online services and the internet.