Cyber chaos: Ukrainian hackers disrupt Russia's banking system
The Ukrainian Pravda portal, citing sources in HUR, reported on Wednesday that a large-scale cyber attack organised by Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) is ongoing, paralysing the operations of crucial banking institutions and payment systems in Russia.
Customers of major Russian banks, such as Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and VTB Bank, encountered problems or could not use online banking and other digital services.
Cyber attack paralyses Russian banks
In addition, two national payment systems—the Fast Payment System and the National Payment Card System—have been blocked or disrupted. The cyber attack, which began on Tuesday, also affected mobile operators, leading to mobile and internet communications disruptions.
Russian authorities acknowledged the cyber attack, calling it the work of "politically motivated hackers." Ukrainian intelligence emphasised 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.
