Ukraine cyber attack: government sites and major banks targeted

At least 10 Ukrainian websites stopped working due to distributed denial-of-service attacks

The cyber attack, the latest of several hacking operations aimed at Ukraine, came after weeks of escalating fears that Russia might invade. EPA

A cyber attack has hit the websites of Ukrainian government agencies and major banks, authorities said on Tuesday.

The attack, the latest of several hacking operations aimed at Ukraine, came after weeks of escalating fears that Russia might invade the country.

Moscow sent signals on Tuesday that it might be pulling back from the brink of an invasion, but western powers have demanded proof.

At least 10 Ukrainian websites stopped working due to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, including those of the Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Culture Ministry and Ukraine’s two largest state banks.

Customers at Privatbank and Sberbank reported problems with online payments and banking apps.

“There is no threat to depositors’ funds,” said the Ukrainian Information Ministry’s State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection.

Victor Zhora, the deputy head of the agency, confirmed the cyber attack.

The ministry suggested Moscow could be behind Tuesday’s incident without providing details.

“It is possible that the aggressor resorted to tactics of petty mischief because his aggressive plans aren’t working overall,” the ministry said.

A bomb shelter underneath Kiev's Central Train Station. The underground shelter can offer protection to the workers on shift and about 2,000 civilians. AP

An aerial image of attack helicopters on the runway at Zyabrovka airfield in Belarus. AP

A Ukrainian servicewoman disinfects the wounds of a dog injured by razor wire at a frontline position outside Popasna, the Luhansk region, in eastern Ukraine. AP

An interior view shows a kindergarten, which according to Ukraine's military officials was damaged by shelling, in Stanytsia Luhanska in the Luhansk region, Ukraine. Reuters

Ukrainian pensioner Lidiya Silina, 87, at her house right next to the border with Belarus. Ms Silina would take the rubbish out on the Belarusian side of the border opposite the twisty stream. Then the troubles started and the Russian tanks came. AFP

A Ukrainian serviceman at a frontline position outside Popasna in eastern Ukraine. AP

A child copies the position of Ukrainian servicemen standing at attention during the national anthem in Sievierodonetsk, eastern Ukraine. AP

Ukrainian soldiers pose for a picture as the country observes a Day of Unity in Odessa. AP

Lorries queue at the Goptivka border crossing between Ukraine and Russia, near the Eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, amid growing tension. EPA

Ukrainian border guards patrol along the border with Russia, near Kharkiv. EPA

Four Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in Cyprus. The UK sent the additional jets to boost air patrols over eastern Europe. PA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, second from right, is briefed on preparations at the site of a military drill outside the city of Rivne. AFP

Nato defence ministers in Brussels, Belgium. The military alliance says Russia is still sending troops to the border with Ukraine, contradicting Moscow’s claims of a drawdown. Reuters

Ukraine's Senkivka checkpoint near the border with Belarus and Russia. Reuters

The Motherland Monument in Kiev, Ukraine. The country is on high alert for the possibility of an invasion by its neighbour Russia. AP

Valentyna Konstantynovska, 79, holds a weapon during basic combat training for civilians in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine. AP

A satellite image shows a housing area and equipment for troops in Rechitsa, Belarus, where Russian forces are holding joint military exercises. Reuters

US soldiers prepare to leave Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for Europe, where they are being sent as the crisis between Russia and Ukraine escalates. AFP

Ukrainian soldiers at the site where a rocket landed close to their positions during the night on a front line near Popasna, eastern Ukraine. AP

Ukrainian servicemen survey an area that was shelled overnight on Tuesday close to their positions on a front line outside Popasna, eastern Ukraine. AP

A Ukrainian teenager helps a church minister reinforce basements in a centre for children in the Ukrainian village of Chervone. AFP

A Ukrainian teenager digs trenches for soldiers serving on their country's eastern front and facing off with Russian-backed separatists, near Chervone. AFP

A Ukrainian border guard at a crossing to Belarus in Vilcha. Getty

A child tries to remove ammunition from a clip during basic combat training for civilians organised by the National Guard in eastern Ukraine. AP

Rumia, 59, a member of Ukraine's Territorial Defence Force, trains near the capital Kiev. AP

Smoke rises over the Gozhsky training ground during Russia-Belarus military drills in Belarus. AP

Ukrainians march to show solidarity and patriotic spirit in Kiev. Getty

A Ukrainian National Guard member shows civilians in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, how to adopt a firing position. AP

A military helicopter fires missiles during the Russia-Belarus military drills in Belarus. AP

A pedestrian passes through the only open crossing point between territory held by pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government controlled territory in Stanytsia Luhanska, eastern Ukraine. AP

US soldiers on parade during the visit of Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to the Mihail Kogalniceanu airbase, near Constanta, eastern Romania. AP

In mid-January, Ukraine accused Russia of being behind a cyber attack that temporarily disabled about 70 government websites simultaneously.

During last month’s attack, a posted announcement said Ukrainians should “be afraid and expect the worst”.

Russia launched one of the most devastating cyber attacks ever on Ukraine in 2017 with the NotPetya virus, causing more than $10 billion in damage worldwide.

The virus, also disguised as ransomware, was a so-called wiper that scrubbed entire networks.

The US has accused Moscow of preparing to invade Ukraine and has said cyber security remains a pivotal concern as tension continues to simmer in the region.