Russia has claimed responsibility for striking a data centre in Kyiv linked to Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service.
Photo : AP
Russia has claimed that its forces struck a data centre in Kyiv used to support Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service during a wave of overnight attacks.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said drones targeted the Cosmonova data processing centre in the Ukrainian capital, alleging that the facility “provided mobile internet service and support” for Ukraine’s use of Starlink.
Ukrainian officials said a drone crashed into an office building in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district, where the Cosmonova data centre is located.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said five people were injured in Russian strikes across the capital in the early hours of Saturday.
Ukrainian media had previously reported damage to the Cosmonova facility following overnight attacks from Thursday into Friday. A Ukrainian television channel also said it had suspended broadcasts early Saturday after damage was reported at data centres in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Reliance On Starlink
Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink terminals for internet connectivity, including military communications and the operation of drone fleets on the battlefield.
The Starlink network, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, uses thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide internet access.
Russia has increasingly focused on Ukrainian data centres and communications infrastructure, saying the strikes are aimed at disrupting internet access and military communications.
Oleksandr Fedienko, a Ukrainian lawmaker who heads a parliamentary subcommittee on cybersecurity and communications, said Kyiv did not believe the attacks had significantly affected Ukrainian military operations.
The US-based Institute for the Study of War said Russian strikes on Ukrainian data centres were among Moscow’s latest attempts to disrupt the country’s economy.
Russia Targets Ukraine’s Internet Infrastructure
Ukrainian media have reported widespread disruptions to internet services across Kyiv following Russian attacks. Several internet providers in the capital said their services had been affected, while at least two companies reported damage to their data centres.
Ukraine’s government said a Russian attack on Wednesday disrupted internet access for around 100,000 households in Kyiv.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had targeted major Ukrainian data centres in an effort to “disrupt the flow of information”, including civilian air-raid alerts.
The attacks come as concerns grow over the security of communications infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military and civilian networks.
Starlink’s Military Role In Ukraine
Starlink has become an important part of Ukraine’s military communications infrastructure and is used to support drone operations.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he had appealed to Musk to expand Ukraine’s military access to Starlink, including for potential drone operations against Russian ballistic missile launchers.
The Financial Times reported last month that Ukraine had sought permission to use Starlink-equipped drones against Russian missile launchers located more than 100 miles inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in August that Kyiv remained in discussions with the US over the potential use of Starlink inside Russia.
